Kerry and Other Dems to "Unclench Fists" and Open Diplomatic Discussions with Syria

by Damozel | Speaking of engaging in discussion with those suspected of supporting hostile interests:  on a stop in Beirut, John Kerry said that the US would be reestablishing diplomatic ties with Syria, but expects it to "change its behavior" with respect to Iraq and Lebanon. Breitbart reports: 

The congressional delegations, led by Democrats, are carrying the message that America wants to engage countries it has been at odds with if they are willing, as Obama puts it, to unclench their fists.

Kerry, who heads the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee...said the U.S. would renew diplomacy with Syria but in return expected Syria to "change its behavior"—particularly on Iraq and Lebanon.

"But unlike the Bush administration that believed you could simply tell people what to do and walk away and wait for them to do it, we believe we have to engage in a discussion," Kerry said in Beirut.

"And so we are going to renew diplomacy but without any illusions, without any naivete, without any misplaced belief that just by talking, things will automatically happen," the Massachusetts senator added.(More at Breitbart)

The behavior-changing discussion relates (among other things) to Syria's propensity to support Hezbollah and Hamas, and to a suspicion -- despite its insistence otherwise -- that it has been letting fighters cross its borders into Iraq.

Bloggers react at Memeorandum

RECENT BUCK NAKED POLITICS POSTINGS

Obama Extends Bush's "Covert" War Within Pakistan (Commentary Round-Up)

Republican Senators Paying Big Bucks for Coleman's Seat to Remain Empty

Did Forensic Doctor and Dentist Create Evidence of Guilt?

Gonzales Plans to Cooperate with Investigators, Says He "Always" has Been Cooperative?

Marijuana Sales Reportedly Stable Despite Economy

Bristol Palin on Reproductive Rights & the Temperate Joys of Teen Motherhood

Obama Unveils Welfare Plan for Homeowners

Greenspan and Other Free Marketeers Favor Nationalization of Banks (or "Some Banks")

Michele Bachmann for the Stark Raving Looney Party: "We're Running Out of Rich People"

Mini-Madoff: SEC Charges Stanford International Bank in $8 Billion Fraud Scheme