Ever since the Geneva Conference in December 1973, Middle Easterners have become used to the suspense surrounding the question of whether the “bad boy” of Arab politics, Syria, will or will not take part in any meeting connected with the peace process. In recent years, as Syria has become more closely integrated into the political axis led by Iran, the question has become less interesting. Still, it has arisen again in advance of the Annapolis meeting. Will Syria take part and, if so, at how senior a level?
