The first Israeli air strike on Syrian land in 20 years is being now being described as the first of what could be more such attacks. Israel’s pilots hit an abandoned camp near Damascus belonging to a Syrian group called the “Popular Front.” Israeli officials say the camp had been used by Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian militant organization claiming responsibilty for the deadly suicide bomb attack in Haifa. Middle East observers are now debating the width and breadth of Syria’s links with Palestinian militant groups.
Some say the U.S. should embrace Israel’s determination to step up military action against Syria, others warn that as long as Israel get carte blanche to act outside its borders, it will only widen the conflict, and further mobilize militants.
Guests:
Barbara Plett, BBC Correspondent in Ramallah
Mouin Rabbani, senior Middle East analyst for The International Crisis Group
Matthew Levitt is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializing in terrorism and U.S. policy.