Stern Magazine of Germany is reportedly breaking the news that UN investigators are about to name the brother—in—law of Syrian President Bashar al—Assad as a suspect in the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al—Hariri. Moreover, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice held on short notice a meeting with Kofi Annan to discuss Syria.

Syria is next obvious target to convert from a corrupt dictatorship into something resembling a functioning democracy. Getting the UN Security Council on board would be a crucial step, diplomatically.

Ed Lasky   10 18 05