US and Iranian officials are scheduled to hold talks in Baghdad on December 18, in a joint effort to quell the violence in Iraq. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari confirmed the meeting. According to reports the ambassadors of both countries, while bitter enemies have met three times in the past. Washington accuses Teheran of providing funds and arms for Shi'te militias that operate in Iraq. Howvever Zehari told reporters the meeting will be "technical and a follow up to the last meeting of security experts, not at the level of ambassadors deputy chiefs of missions and security experts."
There are also unconfirmed reports that US Administration officials intended to meet with Syrian officials in the near future. Possibly in an attempt to coax Syrian President Bashar Assad away from the Islamic Republic in order to isolate Syria from Iran and possibly encourage the Syrian regime to engage in peace talks with Israel.
Joshua Landis, a leading Syria expert, who publishes "Syria Comment" was quoted in a recent article saying, " Syria is key to the peace process. If you keep the door closed on Syria, many people believe the peace process can go nowhere.” Syrians he said are willing to do a deal, despite Iran’s objections.
12/11/07
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