On September 6, 2007, Israeli warplanes violated Syrian airspace, mysteriously attacking a seemingly military installation. An "authorised" Syrian spokesperson stated that Israeli aircraft illegally entered Syrian airspace from the Mediterranean Sea and headed towards northeastern Syria. "Air defence units confronted the Israeli warplanes and forced them to flee after dropping ammunitions in deserted areas without causing any human or material damage", the Syrian source initially reported.
The US government entered the fray immediately, claiming that the White House was aware of the raid and that the Pentagon had assisted the Israelis. Syria denounced the Israeli aggression, asserting that Tel Aviv was trying to create pretexts for another war in the region in vengeance for its defeat during the 2006 confrontation with Hezbollah. The Syrians have hence restrained themselves, fearing that Tel Aviv was planning to drag them into a military confrontation with probably US involvement.
Analysts differed on the real purpose of the Israeli raid. Some argued that it was a test-run for an Israeli attack on Iran. American and Israeli commentators claimed that the raid may have intended to test the newly installed Russian-made air defence systems in Syria - also purchased by Iran. Others said the raid could have been planned to force the Syrians to attend the Annapolis Peace Conference and, hence, create a rift between Syria and Iran. The most serious allegation was made, however, when the White House proclaimed that the facility which was destroyed by the Israelis was linked to a clandestine nuclear programme in Syria. Based on this allegation, the Bush administration and the mainstream US media described the raid as an Israeli success story. A propaganda campaign followed shortly afterwards; and efforts were made to establish a "Syria-Iran-North Korea nuclear proliferation axis".
Novel approach
Trying to nail Syria for having Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programmes is not a novel approach, however. In fact, just barely a month after the US invasion of Iraq, Israel and the US actively tried to condemn Syria, claiming that Damascus may have hidden Iraqi WMDs.
In early April, 2008, it became clear that Israel and the US were planning to release details about "Operation Orchard", the codename of the Israeli raid. On April 14, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli experts suggested that a full disclosure of the Israeli raid in the US Congress could "embarrass" the Syrians to the point of militarily retaliation against Israel. Nevertheless, the Bush administration went public during a hearing session before the US Senate, producing satellite photos to support the claim that Syria was involved in clandestine nuclear activities.
Given the faulty information provided by the US to condemn Saddam Hussain for possessing WMDs, few have bought the US claims. Damascus, on its part, denied the accusation, asserting that the Israeli attack and the US claims about a secretive nuclear programme were preludes to US involvement in an Israeli plan to hit Syria.
The developments of the past few months, including the assassination of Emad Mughniyeh, a top Hezbollah commander, in Damascus, indicate that Syria might be truly facing the prospect of a joint US-Israeli aggression. According to Israel's Channel 10, after the assassination of Mughniyeh, Tel Aviv sent Syria a message, through a third party, threatening war if Hezbollah retaliates against Israel. Reuters also quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official threatening war against Syria as a reprisal for "hostile" Lebanese or Palestinian actions against Israel.
True or not, the fabricated nuclear crisis with Syria, many expect, would have far-reaching consequences. The aim is to put Syria in an awkward position. Many believe that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be soon submitting an inspection request to the Syrian authorities. If Syria complies, that would give the US and Israel an access to its military secrets. If it refuses, the case will go to the Security Council and we will be then facing another Iraqi scenario.
Dr Marwan Kabalan is a lecturer in media and international relations, Faculty of Political Science and Media, Damascus University, Syria.
