Mixed response to ME diplomacy

Signs of a rapprochement on the Israel-Syria front as well as a possible improvement in ties between Egypt and Iran are discussed in the regional press.

Israeli papers are divided on these overtures, with some urging caution and others warning against rejection.

Arab reaction is likewise mixed. One Syrian paper prefers to focus on what it sees as international reticence over Israel's nuclear programme and "crimes".

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The rapprochement between Egypt and Iran is not necessarily bad for Jews. Nor is the success of President Assad's visit to Turkey, the extent of which will be known in the coming days. Given the problematic relations between Washington and Tehran and Washington and Damascus, Israel is liable to benefit from the existence of indirect channels to the heart of these two regimes.

In this context, it is worth listening to the good news the Egyptian president announced this week, saying: I believe President Assad wants to conduct serious negotiations with Israel.

Commentary in Ma'ariv - Israel

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True, Syria is very weak. But when will we conduct negotiations with it? When it gets stronger? If ever there was a window of opportunity, this is the time...

The biggest thing Bashar Assad has to offer us is Lebanon as a partner... He has to offer the removal of Hezbollah as an annoying military factor in southern Lebanon.

Second commentary in Ma'ariv - Israel

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When Syria is aggressive and violent we have nothing to say to it. When it smiles, seemingly calm and has goodwill, why should we talk to it?... If the US advises Israel not to enter into negotiations with Damascus at this stage, it is proper to listen to it, in our interest and in its interest.

Third commentary in Ma'ariv - Israel

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The problem in connection with the Syrian issue is that... Prime Minister Sharon and Defence Minister Mofaz are coming across as rejectionists of peace. They do not want to be seen as responding to the overtures from Damascus, as that would lead to substantive strategic talks in which they will have to address scenarios of withdrawal...They also apparently believe that Israel can ignore the far-reaching changes that are occurring in the region... Such an approach demonstrates only obsolete, ossified thinking.

Editorial in Ha'aretz - Israel

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There are different views about the development of Iranian-Egyptian ties. Some think it is a response to US pressure on Iran at a time when US political and media attacks on Iran are increasing...

Others see the step towards restoring Iranian-Egyptian ties as a wise Iranian political move towards Cairo, in order to escape the crisis imposed by US politics and pressure, without Tehran responding to any conditions...

We regard the thawing of Egyptian-Iranian ties as a positive step. It is time to close the old chapter.

Commentary in Al-Watan - Oman

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At the time when our brotherly country Syria lends a helping hand to resuscitate the peace process, and resume negotiations with Israel, here comes the hostile and loathsome Israeli reaction. Instead of responding promptly to the peace appeal, the Zionists made hostile and indecent statements against Syria. The Israeli chief of staff, butcher Moshe Ya'alon, attacked Damascus and threatened to launch fresh air strikes.

Editorial in Al-Bayan - UAE

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Although Israeli officials are publicly expressing optimism that Turkey will play a positive mediation role between Israel and Syria, they are not hiding their anxiety and fears over closer ties between Syria and Turkey.

Editorial in Al-Watan - Saudi Arabia

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Despite international laws, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and US uproar over the Korean or Iranian nuclear reactors... nobody is saying a word about Israel's WMD, nor is there any uproar over its development of nuclear power, or its crimes and persistent provocation in the Arab occupied territories.

Commentary in Al-Thawrah - Syria

BBC Monitoring, based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.