Gary Fitleberg, April 26, 2005

Syria shall suffer if it does not stop its state supported terrorism.

Syria is one of the biggest state supporters of terrorism along with its partner in crime Iran. Both actively support Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad and other terrorist organizations financially and logistically. Both also use "occupied" Lebanon as a staging ground for terrorism.

Syria has already seen one warning that it shall suffer if it continues its support of terrorism. Israel struck home one base of terrorism utilized for training by these sister terrorist organizations that have only one objective -- the annihilation of a Jewish State of Israel. Israel also did a flyover of ruling President Basher Assad’s palace and other critical institutions to send a clear message and warning that he himself as well as his infrastructure are in striking distance if need be. If the support of terrorism does not end.

Syria shall suffer another surprise attack soon if it does not stop its support of terrorism.

Israeli officials stepped up their rhetoric against Syria, with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon blaming a double bombing in Be'er Sheva on Hamas headquarters in Damascus, and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon threatening unspecified reprisals.

"Anyone who is responsible for terrorism against us should not sleep quietly," said Ya'alon, when asked by reporters how Israel would respond to Tuesday's bombings. "We will deal with all those who support terror, at every level - people in the Palestinian Authority; people in Hezbollah in Lebanon; people in the terrorist headquarters in Damascus, which operate with Syria's permission; and also the financial support and weaponry that is transferred to the organizations under Iran's auspices."

He declined to give any details of what Israel's response might be.

During a briefing with President Moshe Katsav, Sharon told the president that the bombings were carried out on direct orders from Hamas headquarters in Damascus. Government sources later fingered Moussa Abu Marzook, a senior Hamas official now residing in Damascus who is also wanted by the United States, as the individual behind the bombings.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that "a large portion of the terrorism in the territories" comes from Hamas headquarters in Damascus and Hezbollah in Lebanon. You cannot separate what happened in Be'er Sheva from what is going on in Lebanon."

Damascus no doubt took note of the remarks, but what the Syrians should look at is the seriousness and immediacy of the threat. Did Ya'alon mean there would be action now, or was this a warning shot aimed at preventing another terrorist attack?

The second explanation sounds more plausible. If Israel were planning to attack terrorist headquarters in Damascus now, it's unlikely the chief of staff would have informed the MKs and media.

Such an attack would have far-reaching implications and the security cabinet has not even discussed it. Neither is it clear where Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stands on this issue. If he were to order an attack that could set the entire northern border aflame, this might not be viewed favorably by the Bush administration two months before a presidential election.

On the other hand, if the twin bombing is the harbinger of a new series of attacks, Sharon might well accede to this. Israel has attacked Syrian and Lebanese targets in the past - as after the bombing in Haifa's Maxim restaurant.

Why is Syria being mentioned now? It is possible it's just frustration. For months, the IDF and Shin Bet security service were able to keep terror on a back burner and now once again the pictures of burning buses are on the television screens. But the picture must also be seen in its broader context.

The weakening of the terror organizations in Gaza, Judea & Samaria (wrongfully called "West Bank" by most of the world today) have created a leadership vacuum external bodies are trying to fill. The most obvious are Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas headquarters in Damascus - both of them egged on by Syria.

Intelligence sources told Ya'alon this week that three quarters of attacks planned to come from the disputed territories of Judea & Samaria are funded and directed from Hezbollah. Hamas of Hebron, on the other hand, is in direct contact with Hamas in Damascus.

The assessment in the Central Command is that the struggle against terror has changed face. There is no longer a direct confrontation between Israel and the Arab "Palestinians" - instead directives come from Iran and Hezbollah with Syrian support.

Hezbollah is now applying 18 years of experience in the field in Lebanon to the war in the territories. Israel is able to stop most of the homicide bombers but not to smash the organizations. The question now is, where is the correct address for this?

Syria seems to be the correct address -- at least for right now.

Syria: Stop your state support of terrorism or suffer the consequences for your actions.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2005 Gary Fitleberg