Craving for connect in antique land

Post-Obama, Syria wants an end to the international isolation enforced by the Bush administration
Shubha Singh Damascus

Syria has an image that veers towards extremes - it brings to mind an exotic tourist destination with ancient monuments that is in stark contrast to the western image of Syria as part of what former American president, George W Bush, branded an 'axis of evil' for hobnobbing with terrorist groups. But Syria is in transition; it wants an end to the international isolation enforced by the Bush administration. In recent weeks, Syrians have watched US President Barack Obama's visits to Turkey and Egypt with great interest. They have been following American moves in the Middle East, hoping that the mood for change in Washington will translate into a new policy towards their country.

For the past couple of months, the American special envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, has visited the Syrian capital, Damascus, as have several American delegations. The State department has indicated that Washington has taken a decision in principle to post an ambassador in Syria. Do these contacts herald a change for Syria? Most Syrians blame former US president, Bush, for demonising Syria. "Bush was bad for the world," said a teacher at a school in Aleppo. "Bush is history now and we can hope for better things." Many Syrians see the new American presidency as a moment of opportunity when Syria can move out of its isolation and improve relations with the West.

However, at the official level the government in Syria is looking for more positive action on the part of the Americans. Information Minister, Dr Muhsin Bilal, explained, "We haven't seen any action as yet. We are waiting to see some action on the ground. America must act honourably and cleanse Syria's name." An American ambassador residing in Damascus would be the beginning of this process. Washington had withdrawn its ambassador from Damascus, accusing Syria of involvement in the killing of Lebanon's former prime minister, Rafiq Hariri - a charge that Syria had denied.

Syria's relations with the US plummeted as it opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq; the flow of refugees from Iraq added to the mistrust as Washington charged Damascus with supporting insurgency in Iraq. The Bush administration imposed tough sanctions on Syria and brought in the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act. It had even considered a regime change in Syria. In a recent interview to an American publication, Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad said that he is ready to meet President Obama. He has also said that Syria would be willing to resume talks with Israel if the US plays an active role as a mediator.

Syria's isolation has been easing for some time as European countries have begun to re-engage with Syria. Damascus has been back on the itinerary of international visitors for some time, ranging from French President Nicholas Sarkozy to sundry foreign ministers. Syria's position in the Middle East makes it integral to achieving peace in the region. It has a border with Turkey in the north, Iraq in the east, Jordon to its south and Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea towards the west. Syria has influence over militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and Washington would like Syria to help in the stabilisation of Iraq.

The western image of Syria as a radical Muslim nation is at odds with its character as a multi-religious society that lives in peace with its minorities. According to Dr Bilal, the world has to distinguish between Muslims and Islamists. "To believe that you are unique and good and to think that you have to eliminate those who do not think like you is bad. To refuse to accept any other kind of view is a kind of a disease, an infirmity."