West Trying, Once More, To Pry Syria Away From Iran

Roula Khalaf, writing for the Financial Times

Western powers are waging [a] campaign — to distance Syria from its Iranian partner. Despite little success, however, this policy is being pursued more vigorously. This time it brings in regional states, particularly Saudi Arabia, and involves offering Damascus generous benefits, namely the opportunity to widen its own influence in Iraq as US troops depart, as well as in Lebanon.

The dream of letting Syria leave Iran can be described in many ways: The Middle East’s holy grail, the Damascene siren call, the dangerous illusion, Unobtainium. You choose.

And yet, like in true romance, hope always triumphs over experience. The western powers keep trying, again and again, with no success whatsoever, and they never learn.