Berean News

It’s hard to find a rational explanation for the recent escalation of the war of words between Damascus and Jerusalem, with the possible exception of ignorance and the absence of a communications channel between the parties. While at first glance it appears that the winds of war are blowing in Syria, the hot air stems mainly from a misinterpretation of comments by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to the effect that an Israeli failure to reach an agreement with Syria could lead to an all-out war in the region. Barak intended to voice support for talks with Syria, but Damascus interpreted it as an attempt to force it to agree to negotiations with no preconditions. That led to a pointless declaration from Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, warning Israel against drawing Syria into war, and an equally unnecessary counter-warning from Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. [...]