According to reliable reports, Israel and Syria have publicly acknowledged that they have been holding talks using Turkish mediation. The negotiations could lead to a peace agreement between the two countries, involving Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights. I reported last year about these efforts by Turkey to promote Israeli-Syrian peace and the opposition to such moves by the Bush Administration. I also published a long policy analysis promoting a U.S. dipomatic opening to Damascus that could create incentives for the Syrians to end their ad-hoc partnership — not an alliance — with Iran. Facing the mess in Lebanon, the Bushies have finally bought into the idea. Better late than never.

Filed under: Foreign policy