AMMAN – The angry reaction in Damascus that followed an attack on a Syrian village by Iraqi-based U.S. forces is dissipating amid reports that the Syrian authorities may have preapproved the commando operation that apparently went awry.

AMMAN -- The foreign ministers of Syria and Lebanon formally launched diplomatic ties in a historic move that many hope marks the beginning of a new relationship that sees them as equals. But some observers in Beirut say they need time to fully trust Damascus.

A series of meetings between United States and Syrian diplomats, including U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her counterpart, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, at the United Nations last week are stirring speculation that Washington may at last be moving toward engaging Damascus.

Terrorism in Syria is indeed rare, but in just the last 10 days the country has experienced a number of unexplained explosions associated with terrorist activities. The government in Damascus remains tight-lipped as ever, though statements made by Syrian President Bashar Assad allude to the origins of those attacks emanating from Salafist groups based in northern Lebanon.

AMMAN -- A milestone summit between the leaders of Syria and Lebanon in Damascus has established a foundation to redefine their often bumpy relationship, with a landmark announcement to establish diplomatic ties for the first time ever, and begin to negotiate – perhaps as mutually-recognized sovereign states – the demarcation of their borders.

AMMAN -- Speculation is growing that Syria is ready to distance itself from Iran and come to the Western fold if the United States and its allies ultimately reward Damascus with political, financial and military support.

Syria would agree to sever its close links with Iran if the United States was to offer Damascus financial and military backing, according to The Sunday Telegraph reporting from Jerusalem. The usually well-informed London paper is quoting a former Israeli diplomat involved in back channel talks taking place between Syria and Israel.

What the Arab papers said on July 1: