Pessimism about US-Syria Rapprochement

While local media last week spoke of signs of improved bilateral relations with the United States, this week, the official Syrian press adopted a more cautious tone.



After several high-profile visits to the country from US congressional leaders, there have been no substantive changes in Washington’s policy towards Syria, said a February 21 report from Samira al-Masalma, editor-in-chief of the state-run Tishreen newspaper.



The article noted that the US was still refusing to consider lifting sanctions against Syria without major concessions from its leaders – including a pledge that the regime will curb its relationship with Iran and with certain political groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.



The US needs to offer more incentives if they want Syria to seriously consider these concessions, asserted Masalma.



A February 23 editorial in Tishreen called for patience on both sides. It also reiterated what it said was the need for the US to make certain overtures – including removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.