Word: ambassadored
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...Amin Gemayel: Syria has an historic and national dream to annex Lebanon. They refuse to appoint an ambassador in Beirut and have diplomatic relations like with any other country, because they don't recognize the independence of Lebanon. Lebanon is the only card that remains for Syria to show that it is an important country in the Middle East. Syria is controlling the main aspects of the Lebanese economy. As important as all the other points, many Syrian officials are exploiting their influence in Lebanon for their own financial interests...
...freshly elected National Assembly about to start writing a new Constitution, and the American exit strategy waiting to be negotiated, "this is the worst possible time to be sending in a newcomer," says a Western diplomat in the country. "This is a time when the U.S. would want an ambassador here who already has built up close contacts with Iraqi leaders." Negroponte has won plaudits for having a light touch with local officials, always offering advice rather than giving orders...
...fails in his new job will depend largely on the force of his personality as well as the strength of his relationship with the President. After the announcement of his nomination, Negroponte returned to the State Department. While grabbing a snack in the cafeteria, he bumped into a fellow ambassador, who complimented him for maintaining the element of surprise until the President was ready to break the big news. "The first requirement of the national director of intelligence," Negroponte deadpanned, "is being able to keep a secret." But unless the officeholder can make sure secrets are as well shared...
...punish the Assad government for its litany of misdeeds. The strategy isn't hard to read. As Washington continues its push for change in the Middle East, taking a hard line with Syria is now part of the formula. "Syria is feeling pretty lonesome," says Richard Murphy, former U.S. ambassador to Syria, "and I guess people in Washington think that's a good state of mind to have them...
...Washington has little leverage of its own over Syria. The Administration imposed punitive economic sanctions in May 2004 and could ratchet up the bans a notch or two. But international sanctions from Syria's main trading partners would pack a lot more punch. Although the U.S. has recalled its ambassador to Damascus in a symbolic show of displeasure at Hariri's murder, European nations that prefer to engage with enemies rather than isolate them seem unlikely to follow suit...