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Assad's Fate in U.S. Hands

(Ynet News) Roee Nahmias - The next decision on Syria's fate will be taken in the White House and by the UN Security Council, Syria expert and Tel Aviv University professor Eyal Zisser said. "The rope is getting closer to President Bashar Assad, but he still has room for maneuver," Zisser says. The evidence gathered so far is insufficient in order to bring Assad before an international tribunal, he says. The UN investigative team cast a dark shadow on officials who are very close to President Assad, including his brother Maher and his right-hand man and brother-in-law, General Asef Shawkat. Investigators suspect the two, as well as other senior Syrian and Lebanese figures, are behind the Hariri assassination. "Shawkat is the number one man in the Syrian security establishment," said Zisser. "The Americans have to make a strategic decision - whether they are in favor of bringing Bashar down or in favor of cutting a deal with him. Then there's a tactical decision - whether to suffice with the existing report or wait for the final report. A final report could indeed uncover direct Syrian involvement and satisfy Russia and China," Zisser says.
2005-10-28 00:00:00
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