Hark! A chinless ophthalmologist this way comes!
Syrian President Bashar Assad reviews an honor guard upon his arrival at the parliament in Damascus, Thursday May 10, 2007. Assad said Thursday the current Israeli government was weak and is not prepared for a just peace [ed.: Note these codewords, they're very critical.] with the Arabs, but cautioned that it could still wage war. Addressing the opening of the newly elected parliament, the Syrian leader also denied direct or secret contacts with Israel and stressed the longstanding Syrian demand for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Golan Heights in return for peace with the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi)
I don't call him a "dictator" for nothing, folks. He appears to be confident enough in Iran's backing that he can dictate whatever policy to the region that he wants.
Of course, the fawning press would gladly give him that power.
One thing to note very seriously, though: If Assad is talking about Israel being "weak," you can mark my words that he's preparing for war. If you're wondering why I can so confidently say that, I suggest reading up a bit on the practice of hudna.
Syrian President Bashar Assad leaves parliament after he had delivered a speech in Damascus, Thursday May 10, 2007. Assad said Thursday the current Israeli government was weak and is not prepared for a just peace with the Arabs, but cautioned that it could still wage war. Addressing the opening of the newly elected parliament, the Syrian leader also denied direct or secret contacts with Israel and stressed the longstanding Syrian demand for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Golan Heights in return for peace with the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi)
Syrian President Bashar Assad, center, raises his hand as he greets members of parliament in Damascus, Thursday May 10, 2007. Assad said Thursday the current Israeli government was weak and is not prepared for a just peace with the Arabs, but cautioned that it could still wage war. Addressing the opening of the newly elected parliament, the Syrian leader also denied direct or secret contacts with Israel and stressed the longstanding Syrian demand for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Golan Heights in return for peace with the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi)
Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks, bottom left, before the Syria's Assembly House, also known as the parliament, in Damascus, Thursday May 10, 2007. Assad said Thursday the current Israeli government was weak and is not prepared for a just peace with the Arabs, but cautioned that it could still wage war. Addressing the opening of the newly elected parliament, the Syrian leader also denied direct or secret contacts with Israel and stressed the longstanding Syrian demand for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Golan Heights in return for peace with the Jewish state. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi)
Tags: bassem tellawi assad AP #Dictatorship
