The alliance that is emerging in this part of the world is a creation of Iran. |
The regime is still very strong at a grass-root level in Syria. People still believe in President Assad, especially the youth. |
The Syrian investigation is too little, too late. It lacks credibility, as all the judges will be appointed by the state. It would have been better to use independent judges or international advisors. |
There is still a chance for the government to reform, to release political prisoners, to change the cabinet, to arrest those people who acted to excess in Lebanon. That will make it more difficult for the international community to embarrass the regime. |
They are trying to create a united front at home in the face of the pressures Syria is facing. |
They don't have time for maneuvering. Syria can cooperate, period. There is no other option and the regime knows it. |
They still act with the mentality of the Clinton era, when they were treated like the strongest regional power, |
This is part of a grand picture of change to conduct political reforms that are needed and that have been demanded by Arabs, foreigners and Syrians for the past five years. |