Off the beaten path

[B.Myrick]

Hey, Did anyone hear President Clinton address the people of Syria about the death of their president? Our prez said: "I would like to extend our sympathy to the people of Israel.....uh, Syria over the passing of President Assad..." I specifically heard him use Israel instead of Syria! And he accused Governor Bush of not being politically informed.. :) Later, Bret Myrick

[Guest.Visitor]

Doesn't surprise me. The excuse for Reagan, Bush, and Kennedy's miscue's could be old age...but what about him?

[J.Pluta]

Not to get too much into the politics, but Assad was indeed in many ways as much a friend to Israel as most of the other Arab leaders. His passing could well mean a destabilization of Syria, which would be quite dangerous for Israel. While I sincerely doubt that's what caused Clinton's slip, it's nonetheless a bit ironic.

[B.Myrick]

Frank, Joe, Mr. Assad was instrumental in seeking peace with Israel. If not a friend, he was certainly a prudent politician who understood the value of peace in the region. His influence will be missed. I do not know much (i.e. very litle) about his son, but I hope he has the fortitude and wisdom to continue to be a stabilizing force for the region and world. As for Mr. Clinton, perhaps he had his mind on someone...uh something else. :) Later, Bret Myrick

[nycsusan@hotmail.com]

Oh, of COURSE he did, Bret. He has his mind on Hillary!!! :-)

[B.Myrick]

Susan, You think so? Perhaps...I mean there is a first time for everything. :P Later, Bret

[nycsusan@hotmail.com]

Well, if Bill gets his license to practice law taken away, he will need HER income from the Senate! I am just so SURE he can't stop thinking about his lovely wife! :-)

[B.Myrick]

Susan, Bill's Mormon? I have'nt seen his LOVELY wife? ;) Bret

[David Abramowitz]

Bret Myrick wrote: Mr. Assad was instrumental in seeking peace with Israel I really didn't want to get involved with this one, but this is blatantly untrue. Perhaps more than anyone outside of Iran, Assad was the primary financial motivator of Hezbollah. During the 70s Assad stockpiled infusions of cash and weapons from the Soviet Union, and used that to fund international terrorism. Up until very recently, Syria was condemned as a "Terrorist Nation" by the State Department. While all other surrounding nations were maintaining a dialog with Israel, Syria was avoiding it. Then there was the publicly displayed picture of Shamir as an Irgun member, the one time Israel and Syria met face to face. All of this can be easily verified. Dave

[nycsusan@hotmail.com]

David, I agree with you. Wasn't it Assad who condemned King Hussein (of Jordan) and any other Arab leader that signed a treaty with Israel? I do agree that whenever leadership changes in that part volatile of the world, there is the chance for more instability. However, I don't see how the Syrian leader was a friend of Israel. Jordan could be considered a friend of Israel and the US, but not Syria. I wasn't going to get involved in this either, but I will add my voice to yours on this one.

[B.Myrick]

Dave, Susan, Have I been mislead by the press? I have to assume so as I have not followed Assad's career as president and relied on them for knowledge. I don't have the facts, but it was not too long ago that Arafat also considered Israel an enemy but has recanted. Perhaps out of sincerity or out of love for the U.S. Dollar and world attention. I will check into this. Being former military, though, I can tell you that just about every Mid East country and many European ones used Soviet monies to fund this or that group and to provide training for terroist organizations. I thought I found the truth, but it seems not. Later, Bret "Mea culpa" Myrick

[David Abramowitz]

Hassad actually financed the aborted Palestian takeover of Jordan in 1968! What is arguable, is whether Syria provided invasion troops at that time. Hassad's family is Aluwite, Jordan's Hussein's family is Hashemite. Dave

[nycsusan@hotmail.com]

I did not know about the 1968 take over attempt of Jordan by Syria. Now that both of those leaders have passed on, I wonder if their sons will get along any better, assuming that Assad's opthamologist son takes over Syria as rumored. On the surface, neither son seems inclined towards conflict, but who knows.

[B.Myrick]

I am not sure how Assad's son will fare as a leader. As an Opth, Optham, eye doctor, he may have not been exposed to the leadership (militarily) that the region seems to respect. I understand he was given the rank of colonel sometime back and was put in charge of a military base. Having served in the Army for nearly 20 years, I can say that people who are elevated to a position without prior experience usually suck at the job. A normal Officer Candidate (90 Day Wonder) cannot compare with a VMI or Westpoint graduate in knowledge. The equalizing factor is if the 90DW held a position as a Sergeant for several years and thus knows what it's like to command and to be commanded. My greatest fear is that Assad's son would be a positive influence in world peace, but is overthrown by a military regime. Later, Bret

[Guest.Visitor]

Having been stationed in the Golan Heights. I can attest that you are very very correct David.