Release of Hostages

The abduction of Western hostages in Lebanon could not have happened without the encouragement of the Syrian regime of Hafez Assad. This ruthless and totalitarian regime is resolved to remain a power in the area, and would use human suffering any day as a strategy for winning political concessions.

The Syrian regime has a long record of human rights violations. It is a regime that thrives on intimidation, ruthlessness and brutality to stay in power.

The release of all the remaining hostages would not have been allowed by the Syrians had the outcome of the Gulf War been different. The regime of Assad represents a small minority in Syria, and must use totalitarian practices to remain in power. Syria has allowed the release of the hostages because it cannot afford bad relations with the United States in the aftermath of the Gulf War. The American victory and other events in the world have transformed the Middle East from a stage for the Cold War into an American stronghold. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subduction of the Iraqi military, Syria cannot maintain an adversarial relationship with the U.S.

The big challenge to the U.S. Administration is not to allow a place in the contemplated new world order for a regime such as that of Hafez Assad, who has committed far worse crimes against the Lebanese people than those committed by Saddam Hussein against Kuwait.

NASSIB SAADE, Costa Mesa