Syria Wants to Talk, But Bush Won't Answer the Phone

Damascus has effectively cooperated with Washington on terrorism, says Syria's ambassador.

By Imad Moustapha
IMAD MOUSTAPHA is the Syrian ambassador to the United States.


"Gone are the days when U.S. special envoys to the Middle East would spend hours, if not days, with Syrian officials brainstorming, discussing, negotiating and looking for creative solutions leading to a compromise or settlement. Instead, this administration follows the Bolton Doctrine: There is no need to talk to Syria, because Syria knows what it needs to do. End of the matter."