The volatility of this situation highlights the urgent need for serious U.S. leadership and engagement to prevent escalation on the Lebanon-Israel border, to prevent the further strengthening of Hezbollah, to stabilize the situation inside Lebanon, and to curb Iranian influence in the region. The return of a U.S. Ambassador to Damascus in early 2011 (a position that was vacant since 2005) is a good first step - not as a reward for Syria but as an essential element toward achieving these goals. Continued tough, resolute engagement - using carrots and sticks, not just more sanctions and recriminations - is the right way forward.

U.S. leadership is also critical to re-invigorate Israel-Syria negotiations. An Israel-Syria peace agreement would ease tensions and end the state of war on the border the two countries share. It could also pave the way for an Israel-Lebanon peace agreement, strengthen efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian peace track, and drive a wedge between Damascus and Teheran. Israel's security establishment has long argued that an Israeli-Syria accord is both possible and important for Israel, and should be pursued. Progress in previous Syria-Israel negotiations has already resolved or nearly resolved most issues necessary for a peace agreement; what is needed now is the political will to finish the job.

APN believes the U.S. should embrace a smart approach to U.S.-Syria relations, founded on a commitment to resolute engagement and diplomacy. APN supports the opening of a new Israel-Syria peace track and U.S. engagement in such efforts, and rejects any efforts to place preconditions on negotiations, pre-empt U.S. options for supporting negotiations, or block U.S. support for an agreement that such negotiations may produce. APN also supports continued assistance to Lebanon, with proper oversight and accountability.

(Feb. 2011)