FOREIGN AFFAIRS: "All Roads Lead to Damascus: Syria is a vital but often overlooked party in stabilizing the Middle East," by Michael B. Oren, Wall Street Journal, 28 February-1 March 2009.

Interesting piece by Oren, whom we must identify as a member of the Israeli defense forces (public affairs) in addition to being a world-class historian. That first part should have been mentioned in his byline, so readers are aware.

This is an a good historical overview that reminds us of Syria's potential as a rollback target re: Iranian influence in the region.

What the piece does not address is the significant likelihood that a Netanyahu government will strike Iran's nuclear facilities before the year is out, an event that is likely to shut down this opportunity.