Olmert Contemplates Talking “Peace” With a Syrian Sword at Throat

PM Olmert Exploring Third Party Talks with Damascus, by Aluf Benn (Haaretz)

Source: Olmert Mulls Talks with Syria

And of course Hamas follows the Syrian lead — they too try holding a sword to the neck…

Hamas: Kassams Won’t Stop Without Reciprocation

“Olmert was persuaded to reexamine the Syrian option mainly by the numerous warnings that Syria’s army was gaining strength and the danger of an eruption of hostilities in the North.”

Excerpts;

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is exploring the possibility of resuming peace talks with Syria through a third party.

A government source said there was no direct contact between Israeli and Syrian officials, “but a very serious assessment is underway.”

What is being assessed is what Israel would get in return for pulling out of the Golan Heights, the nature of future bilateral relations and whether Syria would consider cutting its ties with Iran, Hezbollah and Palestinian terror organizations, Israel’s main enemies in the region.

Olmert has recently referred to the possible resumption of talks with Syria in closed meetings. “The price is clear. There may be a debate on the payment terms, discounts etc. but the main question is what Israel would receive in return. Will it receive peace like [the one it has] with Egypt, peace like Britain and France have, or a deception: Give us the Golan, and all you’ll get is an alliance between Syria and Iran and Hamas headquarters in Damascus,” he said.

Olmert was persuaded to reexamine the Syrian option mainly by the numerous warnings that Syria’s army was gaining strength and the danger of an eruption of hostilities in the North.