Folks,

I would indeed push for more comms with Syria and Iran--both open and behind closed doors. In keeping with the old advice keep your friends close and your enemies closer, communications with all parties, regardless of agenda, is basic diplomacy 101 and should be part of warfighting 401.

The worst thing you can do (to your own interests) is paint the opponent into a corner where his only option is to fight to the death. In some cases that is unavoidable and in some cases the opponent does it for you.

Rhetoric on either (or all) side is part of the equation; using simple rhetoric often traps the speaker in a position, especially Western speakers because of credibilty with the audience.

Bottom line: don't nail communications doors shut. Sooner or later you will have to reopen them.

Best

Tom