Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Syria Formalizes Lebanon Ties

Damascus hopes symbolic gesture eases international pressure

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Oct 14, 2008 3:12 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Syria today established formal diplomatic relations with Lebanon for the first time since the nations won independence in the 1940s, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Bashir al-Assad’s regime sent its first-ever ambassador to Iraq yesterday, moves one expert says show Syria “wants to play ball with the world.” Beirut welcomed today's news, saying relations with Damascus are “more brotherly than ever.”

While "symbolically important," the announcement is "window dressing for the West to show that Syria is fulfilling its commitments to the international community," a Lebanon policy expert warns.

Syrian president Bashar Assad commemorates the 35th anniversary of a war between Syria, Egypt and Israel. The nation put the past behind it in a big way today by establishing ties with Lebanon.
Syrian president Bashar Assad commemorates the 35th anniversary of a war between Syria, Egypt and Israel. The nation put the past behind it in a big way today by establishing ties with Lebanon.   (AP Photo)
A Damascus poster shows Syrian President Bashar Assad and Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah with Arabic writing that reads, God protect Syria and Lebanon.
A Damascus poster shows Syrian President Bashar Assad and Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah with Arabic writing that reads, "God protect Syria and Lebanon."   (AP Photo)
Syrian President Bashar Assad, foreground right, talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, left, during a meeting this week.
Syrian President Bashar Assad, foreground right, talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, left, during a meeting this week.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

France-initiated diplomacy just the beginning
Xinhua (China)

A history of Syria and Lebanon
Council on Foreign Relations

 
Iraq • Lebanon • Syria • diplomacy • embassy • Arab Israeli conflict • Bashar al-Assad

More Newser Stories

Syria Eyes a New Start With America

New Mediterranean Union Eyes Mideast Peace

US Suspects al-Qaeda Behind Syria Bombings

Egypt Forces Clash With Pro-Palestinian Protesters

16 Killed in Israel Border Clashes
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne