The purpose of his "fact-finding" mission was to castigate the Bush administration for its refusal to pursue Syria as an ally, and to decry Damascus's international isolation caused by its support for the insurgency in Iraq, its strategic alliance with Iran, its support for Hizbullah as well as Hamas and al-Qaida, its illicit nuclear program and its subversion of the pro-Western Lebanese government.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The perils ahead

The strategic goal that Israel wishes to advance through an alliance with the Vatican is the strengthening of its international position as the sole sovereign in Jerusalem.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Opportunity is knocking on Israel's door

General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ), which has a strategic alliance with the Japanese manufacturer, seems to want the vehicle to be not just urbane, but international.

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