Crossfire War - Syria FM Muallem - "Welcome to the Regional War"

By Willard Payne

Crossfire War - TEHRAN WATCH - West Asia Theatre: Tehran - Beirut - Damascus/Jerusalem; Syria FM Muallem "Welcome to the Regional War" - Arrives in Lebanon for Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting

Night Watch: TRIPOLI - Upon arriving in this northern Lebanese city, enroute to Beirut to attend a meeting this week of Arab Foreign Ministers, Syria Foreign Minister Walid Muallem was asked by reporters about the chances for Damascus becoming involved in a regional war with Israel, the Foreign Minister replied, "Welcome to the regional war." He said Syria was definitely ready and, "We will respond to any Israeli aggression immediately." [TURKISHPRESS]

I don't think the meeting in Beirut is scheduled until mid-week and there is no word yet on how long it will last. Latest news will of course be monitored round-the-clock. Every Foreign Minister in attendence may already know in advance that it was Iran and Syria's intention all along to force Israel to attack supply bases in Syria used by Hezbollah, which will provide Damascus with its excuse to respond followed by Tehran. Last week Debka reported that Syria's military was on full alert. Syrian tank and missile units were heading for Lebanon's northern border and for Syria's border with the disputed Golan Heights occupied by Israel.

It would be perfect timing for Damascus-Tehran if they joined the war during the meeting. The gathering could then be used to officially approve Islamic military cooperation. Syria's military could be in better shape than miltary analysts have been saying all over established media. Damascus' main supplier of military hardware has been Moscow. Enormous controversy erupted last year when Russia sold Syria an advanced anti-aircraft missile system.

Though it has been reported Damascus is only interested in a limited war, and that its government is more concerned about survival than in retreiving the Golan Heights, involvement by Syria, on any scale, will place more pressure on Israel's defence forces. When Tehran follows up and enters the conflict Jerusalem may have to consider using some of its nuclear arsenal.

Night Watch Information Service
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