Extremist+Arab+Nations

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Bryan-for Stability-

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Iran's threatening posture in the Middle East could be undercut by a credible Israeli-Arab peace process, the U.S. military's central commander said. "**The Iranian regime is the primary state-level threat to //__stability__// in the region," Gen. David Petraeus said Tuesday in remarks prepared for testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. "The regime entrusts the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)-Qods Force to execute covert aspects of its foreign policy using political influence, covert businesses, lethal and non-lethal aid, and training to militants supportive of the regime’s agenda."** This is especially true in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Gaza -- the latter three neighboring Israel. Moreover, the general said, "Iran’s nuclear program is a serious, **destabilizing** factor in the region and is widely believed to be a part of the regime’s broader effort to expand its influence." Iran's influence could be limited by "a credible U.S. effort on Arab-Israeli issues that provides regional governments and populations a way to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the disputes," Petraeus said. This "would undercut Iran’s policy of militant 'resistance,' which the Iranian regime and insurgent groups have been free to exploit. Additionally, progress on the Israel-Syria peace track could disrupt Iran’s lines of support to Hamas and Hezbollah." Elsewhere in his testimony, describing challenges to regional security and stability, Petraeus said, "The conflict foments anti-American sentiment, due to a perception of U.S. favoritism for Israel. "Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of U.S. partnerships with governments and peoples," he said, "and weakens the legitimacy of moderate regimes in the Arab world." The Central Command includes U.S. deployment in the Middle East.

United States Senator John Kerry said Thursday that Syria is committed to achieving peace in the Middle East and is essential to the process.

"Syria is an essential player in bringing peace and **//__stability__//** to the region," Kerry said.

However, the Democratic senator, who is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters after a three-hour meeting with Syiran President Bashar Assad in Damascus that Washington is concerned about the flow of weapons from Syria to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "That is something that must stop in order to promote regional stability and security," Kerry said about the weapons.

Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas, whose exiled leadership is based in Damascus.**
 * Syria is a strong supporter of militant groups such as the Iranian-backed

Turkey mediated several rounds of indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel in 2008, but the discussions made no significant headway. Direct talks between the enemies broke down in 2000.

The Syrian news agency said that Kerry and Assad stressed the need of continuing constructive dialogue between Syria and United States based on mutual respect and common interests to reach positive solutions for issues of common interest, the agency said.

Kerry said Washington and Syria have "a very deep interest, a mutual interest in having a very frank exchange on any differences if they exist."

Kerry who said he has long advocated American engagement with Syria, added, "I am very committed to working on a continued effort to achieve progress in our bilateral relationship."

Kerry's comments come one day after Assad reconciled with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, who had a falling out after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

The two former rivals on Wednesday discussed the importance of resistance against Israel.

"The meeting discussed the importance of role of the resistance as a guarantee against Israeli plans," the news agency said, in a reference to Hezbollah, which mediated the meeting.

The meeting consolidated Syria's political gains in Lebanon as it restored influence lost when it withdrew troops from its neighbor five years ago under international pressure. It also opened channels with Lebanese politicians who have been firmly in the U.S.-backed camp.

Washington has reached out to Syria in recent months by nominating the first U.S. ambassador to Damascus since 2005 and sending top diplomats to meet with Assad.

Washington is hoping to draw Syria away from Iran and the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas. Kerry's visit is the latest by several American officials


 * //__Syria wants to make peace with Isreal to keep its own country politically stable and needs to get rid of their internal conflict with terrorists from Israel. To ensure no political strife from neighboring countries Israel has made a peace agreement with Syria.__//**