Continuing Syrian unease

I’ve been thinking about Syria a lot these days. I know they’re part of Biblical prophecy and of critical import to Israel. I looked back in Dennis’ archives and found out that I had written about the country the last time I guest-blogged in February. So, what is going on over there that keeps disturbing me, other than the obvious?

Let’s start here:
"Syrian President Bashar Assad blames the uprising in his country as an attempt by Israeli to enforce their ‘Israeli agenda.”

Read that here: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/thousands-return-to-syria-streets-after-assad-blames-unrest-on-israeli-plot-1.353049

Ok. That’s fairly typical for Middle Eastern leader to blame their woes on Israel. However, if you look at Israel, it seems that the enemy they know is better than the enemy they don’t know. It appears that some Israelis are cheering for Assad’s victory over the opposition.

That one’s here: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-s-favorite-arab-dictator-of-all-is-assad-1.352468

It reminds me of the many Old Testament stories about bonding with rulers that you really shouldn’t. Because they can turn on you.

This is my least favorite line of the piece, “It seems Assad has wall-to-wall support here, as though he were king of Israel”.

You can read it here too:

The same fear of Arab democracy shared by Assad and Israel - Politics - iloubnan.info

Let’s keep going; we seem to be on a trail of something. Naturally, as they share a large land border, Turkey is leaning heavily on Assad’s ear.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/turkeys-pm-steps-in-over-syria

“As one of Syria's key allies, with a close political relationship and extensive economic ties, Ankara is much better placed to influence Syrian decision making, even though Damascus jealously guards its sovereignty over domestic policy.


Mr Erdogan is considered to be one of the world leaders closest to Mr al Assad, an affinity that has led to a quick strengthening of their countries' links. Turkey has supported Syrian foreign policies, including its combative stance towards Israel, something for which Damascus is chastised by the US and, to a lesser degree, the EU.”

None of that bodes well for Israel, despite their regretful trust in Assad.