Israeli, Syrian Representatives Reach Secret Understandings

Despite adamant denials from top officials in Syria and Israel, the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" reports that an unofficial series of meetings set the groundwork for a peace agreement between the two nations from 2004 to July 2006, with the last meeting held just after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. Representing Israel, according to the report, were officials from the government of Ariel Sharon, who suffered a coma in January 2006. According to the report, Syria instigated the meetings, in search of better relations with the US. Other major points of agreement included Israel withdrawing from the Golan Heights area, leaving a park as a buffer zone, to be jointly used by citizens of both nations; Israel would retain control over Jordan River and Lake Kinneret; and Syria would end support of Hamas and Hezbollah. Many analysts recommend that the US try negotiating with Syria to ease instability in Iraq and lessen Iran’s influence in the region, but the Bush administration has refused. Analysts generally agree on actions needed to break some of the stalemates that contribute to Middle East instability – and plenty of citizens in Israel, Syria, Lebanon and other nations in the region yearn for peace. The report of an agreement may not be true, but perhaps even a bluff will nudge stubborn leaders to take the first step toward achieving peace. – YaleGlobal