Threatening Words

The US is turning up the heat as more information is coming to light regarding Syria and Lebanon rearming Hezbollah. Israel is claiming that since the war in 2006 Hezbollah has stockpiled more than 40,000 rockets, some with the ability to strike Tel Aviv and other major cities in Israel. In a speech on Thursday to the American Jewish Committee, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with a stern warning to Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad of the dangers he is creating if in fact they are transporting long-range Scud Missiles to the Lebanese terror organization. Of course, they are continuing to deny this.

In her speech Clinton stated that “these threats to Israel’s security are real, they are growing and they must be addressed.” She added: “over the past month we have attempted to remove any ambiguity. The President and his Administration have repeatedly reaffirmed our commitment to Israel’s security in word and deed.” But, it seemed from the audience’s response, as well as my own opinion, that her comments had little meaning or follow-up. Her purpose was purely to go on record that our government was making it perfectly clear to President Assad that the consequences of his actions could spark a regional war, destabilizing the region. The rest of her comments were purely blah, blah, blah, including her defense of the decision to return an ambassador to Syria after five years. Other than that, one has to note how impotent the Obama Administration has become in the Middle East. 

On Friday we got to hear a response to Clinton’s comments from Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Rida Rahimi: “We will cut off Israel’s feet if they attack Syria.” And who should be standing next to Rahimi in Damascus when he made that remark? Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji al-Utri. Both were there in unity to show how “unshakeable” their bond really is. Rahimi continued his strong rhetoric saying the West is attempting to “isolate Iran economically” to gain control and Syria is a “strong country that is ready to confront any threat and Iran willback Syria with all its means and strength.”

Only hours later Iranian President Mahmoud Ahamdinejad spoke at a celebration being proclaimed ‘National Persian Gulf Day.’ After acknowledging that not only will he be attending the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in New York, but he will also be part of the committee on the treatment of women (Are you shocked?), Ahamdinejad once again became emboldened and made this inflammatory statement: “Western powers want to dominate the Middle East because it is the center of civilization, culture, foreign affairs and control the world. That by dominating the Middle East, the West hopes to take control of the entire world.”

Folks, what we have here is an extremely volatile situation, waiting to be ignited at any time. Meanwhile, it was just announced by Clinton that the Mideast peace process will restart next week. However, these will not be direct talks with Israel and Palestinians, brokered by the US. Instead, special US envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, will be shuffling between the parties, without bringing them to the negotiating table at the same time. I have seen this stalemate several times already in my lifetime…and it feels like the useless dance is about to begin again.