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"The Syrian and American perceptions of Israel could not be more different, he noted. Damascus views Israel as a rogue state if ever there was one. From the Syrian perspective, he pointed out, Israel has, at any given time, invaded all its neighbors, continues to occupy Arab land, and it openly admits to carrying out assassinations of individuals it perceives to be its enemies. Washington, on the other hand, views Israel as the country in the region that most resembles its democratic political system, respect for human rights, and embrace of Western liberalism. Perhaps more important than these, Jouejati said, is the fact that the United States views Israel as a strategic asset in the region, a fact that earns Israel diplomatic, financial, and military support. Syria views itself as the champion for Arab rights. Its Ba"ath ideology is a contributing factor to this, Jouejati noted, as is its historic connection to the land and people of Palestine. For this reason, it views the resistance of Lebanese and Palestinian fighters as simply that, legitimate resistance."(2).
The second systemic factor I will discuss is The United States. The US also exerts its political pressure on the Syrian world through ties with Israel. This is accomplished through economic, military and diplomatic support of Israel. The United States is the most outspoken country in the global fight on terrorism. This has prevented the Syrian relationship from moving past the luke-warm stages primarily because Syria will not denounce organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. As a result of Syria's ties to these organizations all of the Israeli initiatives regarding southern Lebanon are supported by the US, this further alienating Syria from Israel. However, in the United States" war on Al-Quida the Syrians have been co-operative. With the security of the Israelis in question due to factions of Islamists in the south of Lebanon, the Syrian and Israeli peace process is not soon to be repaired and the will continue to strain the relationship with Syria and Lebanon.
