Syria, slow progress

This editorial is a good glimpse at the problems that Syria presents. It notes some steps that have been taken and highlights more that need to be taken. Mostly I agree with it but I have a few problems with some bits.

The Security Council should renew its demand that Syria withdraw from Lebanon, and accompany it with the threat of sanctions.

Perhaps the threat of regime change would be more effective here. Of course, coming from the Security council, what tinpot dictator would respect such a threat? Shortly thereafter the possibility of military action is mentioned:

The Bush administration and Iraqi leaders should make it clear that continued infiltration of insurgents and terrorists into Iraq will be considered a hostile act by Syria and subject to the responses usually given an enemy, from the breaking off of relations to -- in the last resort -- military retaliation.

I agree fully that military action should be a last resort, but I don't think we can under-emphasize the last resort part enough, especially when talking to thugs. Rogue nations that we 'negotiate' with need to be fully aware that a military option is on the table. If they are, and if the believe that we mean it (and we should never, ever threaten such a thing unless we mean it) it is much less likely that we will have to use that option. The conclusion to the editorial I agree with completely though:

There are no reasons for continued toleration of Syria's rogue behavior; instead, there is an opportunity for insisting on change in the Arab state where it is most needed.

I would expand the statement somewhat though. There is no reason for continued toleration of any nation's rogue behavior.