I tried to do a smart reading title, it's ok I guess.
I don't have a lot of back up material etc on this topic, however given some things I have read in the past and how things are going in Iraq and the Middle East (ME), my belief is that Syria is a pubically forgotten key to calming and democratizing the ME.
Right now, the US is somewhat publicly and intensely in private pushing on Syria to move out of Lebanon. As well, we are pushing them to close off their border with Iraq. These two actions are integral to any lasting or increasing stability in the ME, as well as further success in Iraq and the democritization of the ME. If Syria moves out of Lebanon, that will spur further freeing of the political environment there. We will see bolder and faster steps towards a democracy (of some type). A great ancillary benefit to this is it will really piss of Iran, and puts a bit of pressure on them politically within the Muslim world. Iran is pushing hard on Syria to keep control of Lebanon, and there is of course a very strong tie in with Iran in this area with Hezbollah and other fanatical groups.
As to Iraq, closing off the Syrian/Iraqi border will help slow what to this point has been a steady influx of foreign terrorists into the country. Syria is the main border through which terrorists infiltrate Iraq. If it isn't #1, then it is #2 behind Iran. Continuing stabilization of Iraq, a reduction in terrorists and "foreign fighters" will only speed in the ability of the US to begin a staged withdrawal of troops (and keep several of my friends out of harms way).
If you are so inclined, I'd recommend writing your Congressmen/women and push them on continued action between the US and Syria.
I don't have a lot of back up material etc on this topic, however given some things I have read in the past and how things are going in Iraq and the Middle East (ME), my belief is that Syria is a pubically forgotten key to calming and democratizing the ME.
Right now, the US is somewhat publicly and intensely in private pushing on Syria to move out of Lebanon. As well, we are pushing them to close off their border with Iraq. These two actions are integral to any lasting or increasing stability in the ME, as well as further success in Iraq and the democritization of the ME. If Syria moves out of Lebanon, that will spur further freeing of the political environment there. We will see bolder and faster steps towards a democracy (of some type). A great ancillary benefit to this is it will really piss of Iran, and puts a bit of pressure on them politically within the Muslim world. Iran is pushing hard on Syria to keep control of Lebanon, and there is of course a very strong tie in with Iran in this area with Hezbollah and other fanatical groups.
As to Iraq, closing off the Syrian/Iraqi border will help slow what to this point has been a steady influx of foreign terrorists into the country. Syria is the main border through which terrorists infiltrate Iraq. If it isn't #1, then it is #2 behind Iran. Continuing stabilization of Iraq, a reduction in terrorists and "foreign fighters" will only speed in the ability of the US to begin a staged withdrawal of troops (and keep several of my friends out of harms way).
If you are so inclined, I'd recommend writing your Congressmen/women and push them on continued action between the US and Syria.