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The alleged transfer of Scud missiles from Syria to the Lebanese militant organisation Hizbollah is undoubtedly a serious matter, one with the potential to escalate into a conflict that could be far worse than the 2006 war that devastated Lebanon.

Regardless of which side is telling the truth, both are resorting to dangerous and unwelcome brinkmanship. There is little doubt that neither party is really interested or capable of making peace at this time.

Syria wants the Golan Heights back, but Israel does not feel the necessity to make concessions to a weaker adversary. Israel wants Syria to break its ties to Iran, but Damascus will not abandon an alliance that gives it more influence. When the two countries have engaged in indirect talks, most...