ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH AT WAR AND NOW SYRIA WANTING TO TALK

As the conflict continues to rage between Israel, Hezbollah and Hamas Syria has indicated that they are willing to talk in order to end the conflict. Syrian Ambassador Imad Moustapha has stated in an interview that several U.S. President's have visited Damascus with one on one talks and that the Bush administration is not willing to do so. He further indicated that if the administration were to show that willingness then Syria would engage in talks. SO WHAT ! The fact the the President nor any member of his administration are not willing to talk with Syria is by all means proper and good policy. It is well known that the current conflict is under the direct supervision of both Syria and Iran and both terrorist states have made no overtures to prove otherwise. In fact since the late 70's both Iran and Syria under Assad and son in Syria and the fanatical Islamic theocracy in Iran have financed, armed and provided personal and troops for a constant terror strategy against Israel and the west and now this strategy has once again brought war to the region. Though Hezbollah and Hamas are the entities fighting Israel, Iran and Syria are calling the shots. Talking diplomaticly with either Iran or Syria will accomplish nothing except appeasing both countries further and giving them a sense of accomplishment as they have forced, "the great satan, " into talks by their actions in Lebanon and Gaza.

The news Media has jumped on this indication by Syria as a means of gaining a peaceful solution to the conflict. Following are a few media quotes concerning Syria's, "offer."

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN: Syria is ready, willing, and has a history of dealing with the United States, but they don't want to be lectured to.

AMY ROBACH: Does the US have plans to speak directly to Syria?

JOE KLEIN: A Syrian official told me that they wanted to talk to us but we weren't interested in talking to them. We should be interested in talking to them.

TIM RUSSERT: Will the United States talk directly with Syria?

E.D. HILL: Syria sounds like they want to talk.

WOLF BLITZER: Is it wise right now to start engaging Syria and Iran directly?

Additionally Senator Christopher Dodd (D) chimed in on the Bush administrations unwillingness to engage in talks with the two terror states, " This sort of juvenile attitude that we're not going to talk to people we disagree with I think has contributed to the problems we're facing today."

Again what would talking to either country accomplish ? The United States, Israel and several European countries have talked with both Iran and Syria in the past with no results other than allowing both countries the time to develop their terror networks and the arms and means necessary to keep the Middle East in a constant upheaval and now war. When will those crying for talk realize that one cannot talk with a terrorist nor with any fanatical Islamic government or group ? They neither recognize agreements nor honor diplomatic results. Talking is only a means in which to deceive and hide their true intent and to gain the time necessary to accomplish what they are seeking. Whether that is the killing of Israelis and Americans, kidnapping the same or acquiring weapons or arming those who will carry out the fight. Iran and Syria have used this type of diplomatic tactic for decades and why would they do any different now ? They see talk as weakness and negotiation as victory which emboldens them further. The only way to deal with a terrorist or terrorist state is to eliminate their fighting capability whether that is personal, arms and equipment or transportation and communication means etc. Israel again understands this and is succeeding where diplomacy has and always will fail.

Ken Taylor