Israeli military source says that after studying IAF's performance during Second Lebanon War, Damacus has purchased most advanced ground-to-air missiles from Russia. IDF fears Assad's arms race may be sign of possible conflict with Israel
Alex Fishman
Syria possesses the most crowded antiaircraft system in the world following its continued purchase of Russian weapon systems, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday, quoting a senior Israeli military source.  
According to one estimate, the Syrians hold more than 200 antiaircraft batteries of different types.      
In a bid to respond to the Israel Air Force's supremacy, Damascus has been exerting great efforts in the past few years to improve its ability in terms of ground-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles.  
According to the military source, as part of these efforts the Syrians have purchased the most advanced ground-to-air missiles from the Russians, considered the cutting edge in aircraft interception technology.  
Some of these missiles were snatched from the production lines even before being introduced into Russian operation service.  
Damascus' race to purchase antiaircraft weapons is one of the prominent characteristics in the Syrians' preparations for a possible conflict with Israel.  
According to the military source, Syria studied the IAF's performance during ...   more »

Diplomats say head of Syrian military intelligence has convinced Assad that only war will bring Israel to negotiation table
Smadar Peri
In Damascus, it is forbidden to photograph him and diffuse pictures that can identify him. He has tight security around him at all times and avoids attending public events. General Asef Shawkat, the head of Syrian military intelligence, has good reasons to be in hiding.
"If military confrontations break out between Syria and Israel, that would be the fulfillment of the general's plan," a Lebanese official told Yedioth Ahronoth.   
Syrian rockets aimed at Tel Aviv / Ron Ben Yishai  
Long-range rockets already in place on Golan; is Syria preparing for war?    
Having opened the doors of the Syrian Army to Iranian experts, now he is seeking to relocate hundreds of young Syrians eligible for army service to the Golan Heights.  
"In any case," he recently told President Bashar Assad, "there is no chance of a political channel to return the Golan Heights."
That was Shawkat's pretext to sideline the old guard within the ruling Baath Party, most of whom are well-versed in peace negotiations with Israel.  
Former foreign minister and Vice President Farouk al-Shara ...   more »