Middle East Peace
Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Richard Murphy’s April 25 column fails to offer a permanent plan for peace in the Middle East, even while temporary cessation of hostilities appears imminent. The recent confluence of suicide bombers in the heart of Israel, and the terrorist rockets sent into northern Israel by the Hezbollah surrogates of Syria and Iran, should convince diplomats to force a withdrawal of the 35,000 Syrian troops from Lebanon.
Peacemaking diplomats can capitalize on the opportunity offered by France’s recent efforts by insisting on a free, democratic Lebanon, once again protected by the French government. Let Beirut again flourish. This opportune moment, when the Clinton and Peres governments seek reelection, should be seized.
TED GOLDMAN
Santa Monica
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