Would Mr Pipes or readers help me clarify these questions? Thank you!

Submitted by Tammy (Canada), Jun 20, 2007 at 02:29

1) Why is Syria an ally of Iran at this time? One is secular, the other not. Their degree of military and political power is very unequal, which turns Syria into a vassal of Iran. How can this be good for Assad's image at home and abroad. What are Syria's prospects with an even more powerful Iran?

2) What does Mubarak stand to gain from arming terrorists in Gaza, when they can easily turn on his own regime and destabilize it.

3) What does the US stand to gain from a weaker or defeated Israel, the only democracy in the ME and the United States' only true ally there? Are oil interests such an overriding factor? Is Israel so expendable?

4) What role is Lebanon playing? Isn't there any will to stop the takeover of the country by Iran/Syria-sponsored fighters?

5) The Golan seems next for surrender on Olmert's list. What does Olmert expect to gain from such an unpopular move? Is he so much under the power of the Americans that he can't even demand a referendum as a condition before proceeding ahead with their demands?

6) Is there any reason why the well-armed and trained Fatah gave up so easily? Can we expect another Hamas takeover in the West Bank, followed by a mass exodus of Jews from the area?

7) The most painful question of all I could ask in here: does Israel have the will to survive?

I would appreciate a response to any or all those questions. There was a time when I had all the answers. Not any more.

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