Syria, Israel: Peace Talks and Entanglements With Russia

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Aug. 25 that the Turkish-brokered indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel have not progressed enough for direct talks to take place. Although Syria did not receive any major reassurances from Russia after the outbreak of the Russo-Georgian war, Syria wants to gain leverage against Israel and is trying to create the perception that Moscow has given Damascus options. Israel, however, appears to be calling Syria's bluff.