I'm trying to sort out what is happening in the ME.

[benburch]

Is Syria actually involved yet, or are people still talking about that theoretically?

[robinlynne]

1. theoretically.

[benburch]

2. Good.

Oh I hope rationality keeps them out of this. It does not need to get worse.

[The Magistrate]

3. That Depends, Sir, On What 'Involved' Means

Syria views Lebanon as within its sphere of inetrest, to use the old phrase, and regards it as a satillite state.

Syria has an alliance of sorts with the Hezbollah group, and also some supportive relation with factions of Hamas.

The alliance of Syria with Hezbollah is not sufficient, in my view, to support without further evidence the claim that Syria directed or contrived the recent attack by Hezbollah into Israel that triggered all this, but it is sufficient that persons already ill-disposed towards Syria will make that claim, and feel themselves on pretty solid ground in doing so.

It is certainly possible that Syria will view the Israeli entry of Lebanon as an intrusion into its sphere, and respond with its own invasion of the place, in effect restoring the former status quo of Syrian occupation of most of Lebanon with Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. There would doubtless be clashes between the two nation's armed forces if this occured. Such clashes could extend to full-scale war between Syria and Israel.

[northernsoul]

4. This does look like Syria's golden opportunity to re-occupy Lebanon

Granted, it would be a gamble that could end with an Israeli nuke hitting Damascus.

[The Magistrate]

6. An Armor Column, Sir

Is as far as it would go. No nuclear weapon is going to be employed by Israel, unless perhaps lethal gasses are employed in quantity by Syria....

[benburch]

8. I hope you are right.

I really, really hope you are right.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

5. From LBN forum:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2386243

This is not a good thing IMHO. Hopefully it's disinformation.

[benburch]

7. Doesn't sound likely or possible.

How would they physically make the transfer under these conditions?