What’s the deal with Syria?

Jerusalem, Israel

Syria received top-billing in our meeting with the Israeli prime minster’s spokesman – Mark Regev – in Jerusalem this morning. Sadly, though, he was tight-lipped about that intriguing Israeli strike on a Syrian nuclear facility. How much did the Americans know? “No comment”. Was there a risk of wider conflict? “No comment”. Wha…? “No comment”.

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What he did say, however, was revealing. Israel is so keen to enter meaningful dialogue with Damascus – and to come to some sort of peace agreement – that they’re going to avoid upsetting the apple-cart in public. As Regev put it: “If there is going to be progress [with Syria], then it won’t be on the front pages.” Hence the radio silence on that nuclear facility.