John Kerry was showboating in Syria recently, I guess the president gave him that since Kerry lost in his bid for secretary of state. Kerry reported to Brookings' Saban Center that Syria was ready to negotiate with Israel and the US could likely peel Syria away from Iran's influence. Wonderful. But I am curious if Kerry discussed Lebanon? It doesn't appear in his prepared remarks, and I don't think it would. Assad (and his father before him) has made no secret of Syria's intent to wield a predominant influence in Lebanon. Of course, like most of the region, Lebanon and Syria were carved up after World War I as the two entities arose out of the greater bilad ash-sham. Syrians have considered Lebanon part of Syria since the French division. If the US intends to pull Syria out of Iran's orbit--which could be a questionable distinction--it won't be a simplistic approach that revolves around lowering or eliminating sanctions. While they might be salivating over improved foreign investment and the return of the Golan, it's unlikely that their demands will stop there, despite what Frenchy Kerry has to say.
Brookings Story
Kerry's prepared comments
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