Kofi Annan recently said that he was
concerned that growing U.S. criticism of Syria for its conduct during the U.S.-led war on Iraq may further destabilize the Middle East.Let's survey the current situation in the Middle East for signs of destabilization. In the last several days the following has transpired:
A Saudi newspaper publishes an editorial calling for peaceful coexistence with Israel and for an end to scapegoating the Jewish state.
Syrian President Bashar Assad says he is "interested in diplomatic contacts between the two countries to resolve their differences"
Palestinian Prime Minister designate Abu Mazen is about to announce an end to the armed struggle.
Hardline Iranian former President Hashemi Rafsanjani calls for a referendum on renewing ties with the United States.
Pakistan Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali called Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and asked "to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue"
Heh, Kofi was right! The old Middle Eastern order may be in terrible danger of being destabilized beyond recognition. Or one can at least hope that will be.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at April 28, 2003 02:51 PMWhat was that saying? ... something about carrying a big stick......
Posted by: ipsofacto on April 28, 2003 08:10 PMKofi deserves to be put out to pasture, along with Fisky and Yassir. Talk about yesterday's men...
Posted by: Ribbity Frog on April 29, 2003 05:31 AMThe French daily Le Monde scored a rare interview with the vice-president of the Iranian parliament who shouted "of course, I'm scared!" at the prospect of an American military regime change in Iran.
It also reported on the "fierce pro-Americanism" of the Iranian general public.
I translated it for Mårten Barck's "Watch" blog.
http://watch.windsofchange.net/themes_56.htm
Posted by: Douglas on April 29, 2003 01:19 PMAnyone notice what, in Hebrew, the name "Kofi Anan" means?:
Cloud Monkey.
:-] How appropriate.
Posted by: David Klotz on April 29, 2003 04:22 PM