syriastew.com

As I wrap up two months of blogging entirely on Syria and its relations with the rest of the world, I want to take a moment to reflect on how much has changed in only two months. Dare I say that I am a little optimistic about where Syria now stands with the rest of the world? My optimism may be premature or fleeting - but consider where Syria was only eight weeks ago and where it is now:

8 weeks ago Syria was:
- Isolated from much of the Western world and some of its Arab neighbors, with little to no contact with the U.S.
- Facing rumors of nuclear weapons development after a mysterious Israeli airstrike on Sept. 6
- Managing the Iraqi refugee crisis largely on its own
- Not speaking with Israel and the Golan Heights was not anywhere close to being discussed

Now, Syria has:
- Attended the Annapolis Peace Conference with the U.S., Israel and Palestine
- Seemingly quashed rumours that it was developing nuclear weapons - and the IAEA has not found any evidence thus far
- Worked out a deal to allow the U.S. into Syria to screen Iraqi refugees for placement in the U.S.
- At least met with Israel and let it be known that the issue of the Golan is not forgotten, maybe paving the way for talks

Now, I know some will say this is not enough, that any “progress” that has been made must be weighed against the piles of work that must be done. The Sept. 6th airstrike remians a mystery. The return of the Golan Heights was not on the official agenda at Annapolis. Syria still has close ties with opponents of the U.S. and remains a “state sponsor of terrorism,” according to our government.

At LEAST everyone seems to be on the way to talking to one another again. And I view this as a GOOD sign. Personally, I am a fan of countries who are at odds actually speaking to one another. Short of war, this is the way the tides have turned in all relations amongst nations.

So, for one day at least, I am going to look at the sunny side of life. This is a good moment for Syria. Let’s hold out hope that progress will continue - in the right direction.

-