A Path to Peace: Syrian and Israeli Leaders Demonstrate Courage for a New Era

Strategic Insights -

Syrian President Hafez Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin have been calling for a "peace of the brave" and "brave steps" respectively, in their ongoing peace negotiations. Following a summit in Geneva between Mr. Assad and US President Bill Clinton, the prospects for an Israeli-Syrian peace have never looked brighter. The key to this newfound optimism lies in Mr. Assad's willingness to speak of "normal peaceful relations" between the two states, including a peace treaty, trade ties, open borders, and the exchange of ambassadors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli government has begun to prepare public opinion for the return of part of the Golan Heights to Syria as part of a peace deal, with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres stating that concessions on the Golan are necessary for peace.
  • Israeli leaders must persuade a skeptical public that possession of the entire Golan Heights is no longer necessary for the nation's security, while Mr. Assad must show that he is gaining substantial benefits in return for warming up to Syria's old enemy.
  • A peace pact with Israel would bring significant benefits to Syria, including trade, de facto recognition of its role in the affairs of neighboring Lebanon, and Western aid.
  • In return, Syria should be prepared to accept a staged Israeli retreat from the Golan, demilitarization of the heights, and an international buffer force.
  • Israel also stands to gain from a peace pact with Syria, neutralizing its most potent remaining enemy and gaining access to significant trade and diplomatic benefits.
  • The Golan Heights has limited strategic value for Israel in the modern era, and its removal would not significantly impact Israel's security.
  • Hafez Assad's and Yitzhak Rabin's long-held convictions on compromise and territorial concessions have been softened by shifting interests.

Statistics:

  • 13,000 Jewish settlers reside on the Golan Heights
  • The Golan Heights were seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War
  • Israel's economy would benefit significantly from a peace pact with Syria, including trade and access to Western aid

Sources:

  • The Economist (no publication date mentioned)
  • Syrian President Hafez Assad
  • Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
  • US President Bill Clinton
  • The Economist (no publication date mentioned)