Few would argue that the indirect Israel-Syria talks through Turkish mediation, which were first announced on May 21, were a sign of political maturity and readiness for peace. In fact, while the discussions seemed concerned with the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and Israel's desire for security at its northern borders, the true objective behind the sudden engagement of Syria is largely concerned with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.

AMMAN -- Syria took international center stage Thursday as the isolated country stepped into the spotlight to host a major four-way summit that implicitly recognized the political weight of President Bashar Assad as a pivotal player in negotiations to establish peace and stability in the turbulent Middle East.

AMMAN – French President Nicolas Sarkozy's upcoming two-day visit to Syria -- the first Western head of state to go there in five years -- is expected to help redefine the shifting pivotal role that Damascus has in the region, as the "rogue" state seeks to come out of isolation and into the international fold.

What the Arab papers said on May 28:

What the Arab papers said on May 27:

AMMAN -- Nobel Peace Laureate and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is resisting American and Israeli objections to pursue what he believes to be a way to make peace in the Middle East by including all parties, regardless of whether they are labeled "terrorists" or "rogue" states.

Egyptian mediation to resolve the Rafah border crisis with the Gaza Strip hit major obstacles on Wednesday as rival Palestinian leaders toughened their positions against each other with each side seeking to control the Gaza crossing without speaking to each other.

What the Arab papers said on Jan. 22:

What the Arab papers said on Jan. 17:

The conflict that has developed between Fatah and Hamas poses new-and-unprecedented challenges for supporters of the Palestinian cause.