Press urges Syria pullout

Arab papers agree that the time is ripe for Damascus to withdraw its troops from Lebanon. While one daily chides Syria for its 'mischief', others insist an honourable way out must be found, and call on Arab states to work towards this.

Commentators in a London-based paper worry that a withdrawal will be followed by a string of further US demands.

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A Syrian pullout from Lebanon will improve relations between the two countries. Tension and enmity will only undermine and poison their future relations.

Commentary in Lebanon's al-Safir

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Syria has repeatedly said it is serious that Lebanon should regain its security and power, because a powerful Lebanon will be good for Syria's power, and because an independent and sovereign Lebanon will also be good for Syria's sovereignty and independence. Anything else said about Syria's position on Lebanon is mere lies.

Commentary in Syria's al-Baath

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The arrogance of the Syrian regime and the contradictions in its stances... are not political acumen but political mischief. They are all part of an unacceptable behaviour. The Lebanese people have decided to win back their freedom. All Arabs are hoping that the Syrian people will follow suit and decide to win back their freedom too.

Editorial in Kuwait's al-Siyassah

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It is important that Arab efforts should be intensified to find a solution, under the umbrella of the Arab League, that will guarantee an honourable pullout of Syrian forces from Lebanon... in accordance with the Taif accords.

Editorial in Egypt's al-Akhbar

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Currently there is a crisis that might explode in Lebanon unless Arabs make a rational and swift move to resolve the perilous situation there and prevent the building up of further foreign pressure.

Editorial in Qatar's al-Watan

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The Syrian regime is standing alone without any ally to help it confront the mounting US pressure. It has no option left except to pull out its forces and secret service from Lebanon immediately and wait for more US frustrating and insurmountable demands to follow.

Editorial in UK-based al-Quds al-Arabi

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The Syrian pullout from Lebanon will be the same as Iraq's pullout from Kuwait. It is merely the beginning of a long list of US demands which will not stop until the ruling regime in Damascus is toppled.

Commentary in UK-based al-Quds al-Arabi

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