Could Syria Hold New Solution To Iraq?

(CBS)  The midnight bus delivers another load of war-weary Iraqis into Damascus. After an 18-hour ride, they've just joined one million Iraqis already there, seeking a haven from the violence at home, CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports.

But it's another group of Iraqis — using Syria as a base — who would prove key in ending the violence. Just days ago, more than 100 senior Iraqi Ba'athists met there just days ago with the backing of Syrian authorities.

They are former members of Saddam's regime, many involved in organizing and financing the insurgency, whose attacks on both Iraqis and Americans have killed thousands.

But the Ba'athists now claim they are willing to trade this violence for political discussions, after secret meetings in Syria.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Syria's Vice President Farouk al Shara says negotiations are the way forward.

"If they are flexible and if they really believe in the political process, then why not," he says.

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Reporter's Notebook: Elizabeth Palmer on how Syria refused to transmit her first interview with the vice president

Complete Transcript: Vice President Al Shara

Extended Video: The al Shara interview

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The Syrians are not only trying to nudge the old Ba'athists into negotiations, but the Shiite militias too, the most dangerous of which is controlled by Moqtada al Sadr, who was in Damascus last month and is due to come back soon.

"We don't want to exaggerate our role. But it is important, it is significant," al Shara says.

So where does that leave Washington?

"My attitude on Syria is they can be a much more constructive partner and they haven't been," President Bush has said.

But so far, they're not interested.

"Coming to Syria is not a concession. Coming to Syria is an added value," al Shara says.

While the American discussion about the Iraq war focuses on how many troops to put in or take out right now, there appears be a new strategy to consider – whether American diplomats should go to Syria to join talks that could lead to a possible political progress.

[samthetvcat]

Or were you not actually there yourself santo_marco?

[samthetvcat]

To santo_marco's comment I would ask question how you can assume that if they're a people used to being oppressed by power that they're suddenly being honest with you . . . maybe they're just telling you what you want to hear because you were carrying guns and offering them food.

(PS Yes another good point bluestardad - I guess I should have used the phrase 'so-called enemies' instead of enemies!)

[santo_marco]

What you are not understanding is that the only voice you hear from the middle east are those of the authoritarian clerical government, because that is the only voice that is allowed to be heard. The voices (in millions) that you are not hearing WANT a democracy similar to that of the west. They want the freedoms that we have made for ourselves, but their religion won't allow it. Because that decreases the power that their government/religion has over them. You can't hear the voices of the common people, but you can see the pictures that flow in daily from the troops. When the people feel secure in the presence of the US military, they are truly happy and eager to live a free life. When the military moves out, the overcast of intimidation from the hierarchal clerics and militias looms over instilling bitterness into their hearts. You have to have been over there to understand what I am talking about.

[bluestardad]

For the past 50 years the west has been trying to impose its perception of democracy and government on the Middle East. This has cost a tremendous price in money, blood, and hardship on all sides. Diplomacy with honor is the only thing that will quell the fighting and bring all parties into agreement and peace. The American people have spoken on November 7, 2006 and demand that our elected officials pull our troops out of Iraq and start negotiations with all countries in the region on an equal basis. This Rovian Sound Bite that disagreement with the Presidents policies in the Middle East provides aid and comfort to the enemy is preposterous and rejected by the American people. First off the President and his Rovian Neocons Chicken Hawks who got us into this war don%u2019t know who the enemy is. Nor can they define the enemy we are fighting now! Is the enemy the Saudi back Sunnis or the Iranian backed Shiites that have been our friends for 20 years, could it possibly be the hold outs from the old Saddam regime or maybe just anyone who disagrees with President Bush?

[samthetvcat]

I don't know why Bush waited so long to engage Syria - first rule of power is like to keep your friends close and your enemies closer! Iraq Study Group also spelled it out for him that Syria along with Iran were the ones who had the clout and the self-interest to broker peace. Now they've made a fool of him by taking the initiative - it's almost like they're rubbing his inaction in his face. When we make fun of him it's one thing, but when they make fun of him I'm not so cool with that. Geez . . .

I don't understand why Bush still hasn't gotten all the parties engaged in negotiations - at this point maybe he should just not respond to this guy, wait a couple of weeks and then engage him in dialogue as if it was his idea. But he really needs to put his pride aside and just buckle down and do what needs to be done in the realm of talking. What's he waiting for?

[duvina]

Let Syria have it then, they actually have their own broaders with these countries to worry about. The problems are in the Middle East so the Middle East is in a better position to handle the problem, and are more culturally capable to handle the problem, so far we haven't made any progress and going over the hill once again for the 10,000th time isn't working, they exspectic it already.

[fascistusa]

outtolunch-

You are full of ***.

The Civil War was about as much Slavery as the Iraq War was about democracy.

PROPOGANDA.

You are a Government Shill.

DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD THIS GOVERNMENTS AND IT"S CORPORATE PROPOGANDA SAYS.

[j-whitman]

This situation has now developed into PROTECT THE PRESIDENT AT THE COST OF OUR TROOPS & NATIONAL SECURITY

[j-whitman]

Our troops deserve much better & they are not getting it... There is a gross shortage of epuipment, cuts in training, etc. -- And your great "Decider" says, National Guard must pay for thier own health insurance.... Bush is not good for our military or National Security.

[j-whitman]

Ourtomorrow,,, Diplomatic negotiations have to be attempted with bothb Syria & Iran --- Iran was already the benifactor in Iraq without lifting a finger as soon as we toppled thier government... Bush is going the oppisite direction against the advice of his generals, & highly experianced advisors --- Baker & Hamilton are beyond a doubt the most experianced in those matters