While there is clearly reason to be concerned about the Obama administration’s approach to the Middle East, there is at least one bright spot. (via memeorandum)
According to Barry Rubin the administration has been responding appropriately to Syria.
The basis for this, it seems, is that Iran is more of a White House issue and Syria is more under the control of the State Department? I can’t be certain but that’s what appears to be true. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman seem to understand Syria’s subversive role, sponsorship of Hamas and Hizballah, campaign to take over Lebanon, and solid alliance with Iran.
So while many are eager to portray Syria as moderate, Clinton and Feltman no doubt noticed the wildly enthusiastic welcome the Syrians organized last week for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The Iranian regime may be able to poke America in the eye and get away with it. The Syrians are being held, at least so far, to a higher standard.
The administration has renewed sanctions against Syria. (h/t NeverGiveUp)
Perhaps as Barry Rubin notes, this is a matter of personnel being policy. Steve Rosen noted at the Obama Mideast Monitor:
Feltman is a gutsy guy who did an impressive job as Ambassador to Lebanon, and is clear-eyed about Syria, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Dan Shapiro wrote many of Obama’s Middle East speeches during the campaign, and acted as a liaison to the Jewish community. Earlier he worked for Senaor Bill Nelson of Florida, and played a major role in drafting the 2003 Syria Accountability Act,.
Of course taking a hardline against Syria while softening its approach towards Iran is inconsistent. Still I suppose getting one thing right can’t be dismissed out of hand.
Crossposted at Soccer Dad.
