The key to enduring peace in the Middle East is an agreement between Syria and Israel. Syria has long been Israel's most implacable foe. Its military power and its de facto control over Lebanon give Damascus the ability to scuttle any progress Tel Aviv makes with other negotiating partners. Syria does not have a veto, but if peace in the Middle East is to be real, it must be comprehensive. For the first time in years, that looks like a genuine possibility.
After two days of the highest-level meetings ever between the two countries, Israel and Syria last week agreed to commence another round of talks next year. The negotiations are scheduled to begin Jan. 3, at a location in the United States near Washington, so that U.S. President Bill Clinton will be able to attend as needed.
Last week's breakthrough owes much to Mr. Clinton. Undeterred by nearly four years of silence, the president prodded the two sides to meet and then brokered the meetings. By all accounts the U.S. role was crucial. Syria insisted that the U.S. attend all sessions to make sure that there were no misunderstandings.