A turning point for Syria?

As always in Middle East politics, major events are about as transparent as a sandstorm. On September 12, armed gunmen attacked the US Embassy in Syria, shouting "Allahu akbar" - "God is great" - and attempted to storm into the embassy with automatic weapons and hand grenades. In this attack, the attackers had attempted to throw the grenades over the 15-foot high walls and detonate a truck filled with pipe bombs.

Both of these attempts failed, and no Americans were hurt. In addition to that, the Syrian guards became involved - after being targeted by the attackers - which led to a 15-minute gun battle, leaving four dead and 14 wounded. The main point here is that the Syrians got involved. Surely, the Syrians repelling an attack on the US Embassy must be a good thing, right?

Before we jump to conclusions, let's take a look at the recent history of the United States and Syria. The essential point is that Syria (finally) withdrew military forces from Lebanon, which led to Lebanon holding its first elections free of foreign influence since the end of their 15-year civil war, which was fought from 1976 to 1991. This could possibly show a Syrian commitment to freedom and self-determination.

However, we must also look towards what bad Syria has done. They are categorized as a "rogue nation" for their harboring and support of terrorist cells. True, this embassy attack may show a willingness to change; however, something just does not fit correctly in this puzzle. What would drive a terrorist group in Syria to attack the Syrian guard post?

In addition to that, Syrian opposition leader Ali Sadr al-Din al-Baynouni of the banned Muslim Brotherhood spoke from London accusing the Syrian government of orchestrating this attack to win points with Washington.

On the same day as the embassy attack, the Republic of Cyprus stopped a ship full of North Korean weapons that were en route to Syria. These weapons systems were for a mobile air defense system and components of a missile launcher. This was the first time that Cyprus has stopped a weapons shipment en route to Syria.

In addition to that, Syria responded with criticism of the United States, going on to blame the policies in Lebanon and Palestinian territories, in addition to the war in Iraq, as the cause for increasing Islamic militancy. Taking all of these events together, one must wonder, is Syria trying to reform its image, or simply maintaining the status quo?

According to these facts, it is obvious that Syria is maintaining the status quo, and the Bush Administration should hold its tongue before it heaps praise on the Syrian government for ending what would have amounted to a poorly orchestrated drive-by on the US Embassy.