A blatant case of aggression

Since the 1973 war, Syria has respected its commitment to the ensuing UN resolutions, which call for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Israel, meanwhile, continues to flout all international resolutions, and the sovereignty of its neighbours, with impunity and support from the world's only superpower, the United States.

Last week, Israel carried out an air strike well inside Syria. Damascus yesterday complained to the UN Security Council. Israel and its US ally kept silent. But the Americans yesterday confirmed the report.

"It wasn't big. It was a quick strike. They [Israelis] were engaged by the Syrians, they dropped their ordnance and scooted out of there," said a US defence official, in an attempt to downplay a dangerous incident which could have serious consequences in an already troubled region.

The aggression, apart from being another evidence of Israeli arrogance, will further heighten the tension in the Middle East and could very well torpedo the current efforts to resume the peace process. The US, which has called for an international peace conference to be held in autumn, must rein in its rogue ally or risk losing its credibility as a peace broker. The ball is in the court of Washington and the UN Security Council.