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 Israels desire for security at its northern borders, the true objective behind the sudden engagement of Syria is largely concerned with Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Last months five-day war in Georgia, a tiny neighbor of Russia and Turkey, rekindled memories of the beautiful American ballad, "Georgia on My Mind," which was written in 1930 and became a famous hit only in 1960 when the popular blind American singer, Ray Charles, introduced it nationwide.

It was not enough for Syria to break out of international isolation. Now it is claiming the laurels of peacemaker and the status of a key player in the Greater Middle East.

JERUSALEM -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has lifted hopes about possible face-to-face peace talks with Israel following French President Nicolas Sarkozys visit to Damascus last week.

Iran seems to be gaining ground and influence in the Levant, much to the detriment of the United States, its European allies and pro-democracy movements in the region. Indeed, recent developments in the Middle East have not unfolded entirely in favor of the United States or its other ally in the region, Lebanon.

Almost a year ago to the day, in a totally surprising move, the Israeli Air Force bombed a suspected nuclear facility in Syria. Interestingly, over the previous summer, Israel had reportedly warned the George W. Bush administration. Despite opposition from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Israel moved to eliminate what it believed was an imminent threat.

PARIS -- President Nicolas Sarkozys visit to Damascus this month confirms the failure of his policy of isolating the regime of President Bashar Assad.

Diplomats in Europe and the United States who have been tackling the difficult issue of Iran and its nuclear ambitions have been jolted in recent days by two unexpected developments.

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.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives in Damascus Wednesday on a long-awaited visit as Paris tries to fill the diplomatic vacuum created by Washingtons policy of exclusion.