SYRIAN President Bashar Al Assad’s official visit to the UAE definitely made the regional scenario much clearer, with the current chairman of the Arab League putting a range of issues including Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Iran into perspective.

Most notable, of course, was Assad’s own take on the ongoing Syrian interaction with Israel. His confirmation of the Land for Peace deal was to be expected, but the optimism of near future expectations indicate Damascus is expecting a departure from past Israeli practice, when promises were not honoured as a matter of routine. It seems Damascus is banking on the fact that should talks derail now, another opportunity will not arise in the foreseeable future. With outgoing US President George Bush also pushing for Middle East peace, the time is perhaps right to begin endgame proceedings.

Though he hasn’t voiced concerns openly yet, there is the feeling that Assad is troubled by Olmert’s weak standing in Tel Aviv as for once it is Israel that comes with the more compromised political bag to the table. There is also the issue of hardliners within the Knesset disturbing whatever peace overtures are made. So the coming weeks and months will tell a lot. Perhaps even more interesting was Bashar’s word on Iran, which he hails as a regional entity which whom Syria serves to bridge gaps with the Arabs. However, the sudden take that ties with Iran will not be allowed to hinder wider Arab unity is indicative of a regional political novelty which might well see Damascus distance itself with its long-time ally and presently the sorest thorn in the West’s side. Should circumstances change to where a loud Syrian stand becomes necessary, Middle East politics would move on a pronounced tangent if Iran is left on its own.

If Bashar and allies need to be careful of one thing, it is that Israel is not up to pulling its old trick again. Olmert’s sincerity was called into question immediately after Annapolis, when he went back on promises and expanded settlements when the ink on the agreement was not dry yet. Also, with pressure threatening him to walk from office, there are chances of his word not being forwarded by successors.

For Syria, that would be discomforting, especially if it has soured its tested link with Iran, and with it the regional stalemate that has been holding things despite the carnage in Iraq, lingering trouble in Palestine and the continuous sea-saw in Lebanon.