Chronicle poll results: Syria
We asked our readers if they think the fall of the Assad regime in Syria will be good for Israel or bad for Israel. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Do you think that on balance the fall of the Assad regime in Syria will be good for Israel or bad for Israel?” Of the 196 people who responded, 49% said yes; 6% said yes; and 44% said not sure. Comments were submitted by 45 people. A few follow.
On the surface, this seems to be good, especially because Israel having incapacitated Hezbollah and Iran are part of why this was possible. But, who knows what stance the leaders in Syria will take after saying that they accept all cultures and religions. I’m old enough to be very skeptical about those kinds of statements.
Assad was aligned with Iran, and Israel is especially better off after destroying the weapons.
The fall of Assad is good for everyone, however, using it as an opportunity to flout international law and occupy Syrian territory isn’t really helping Israel’s image on the world stage nor will it help stabilize relations between Israel and whoever eventually consolidates power in Syria.
Assad was terrible but the Islamists are also terrible, so Israel needs to watch out. It’s good if Israel holds firm on destroying their weapons and establishing border safety, which seems to be happening. The Arab-run terrorist-sympathizing U.N. will object, of course, but they will never protect Israel anyway, so ignore them.
The fall of Assad means there’s a chance people will finally accept that Israel is keeping the Golan.
It’s all dependent on who takes over. If it’s like the leadership of Jordan then Israel should be okay. But if it’s by a terrorist organization, then it’s like having Iran next door. Where’s the U.N. in all this?
Too many loose ends. This could go either way, good or bad. Let’s hope good.
I’m cautiously optimistic.
The U.S. and Israel have both taken advantage of the chaos to reduce the military and terrorist risk from Syria. In the short term, at least, the fall of Assad is beneficial for Israel. The more difficult question is whether the people of Syria will be better off.
The outcome depends on the next ruler and ruling party. Things are too fluid to know how the next few years will shake out.
If the Islamist extremists take over, it will be bad.
Assad was no saint but you knew what you had. Now you know nothing.
The situation in the Middle East is so precarious and volatile, it’s hard to project which direction, fighting or peace, the area will go.
Too early to tell.
If only I had a crystal ball. PJC
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