Despite the authoritarian nature of the Syrian leadership, gradual change is preferable to abrupt change.

While in Damascus, Mr. Moawad had the opportunity to establish strong relations with the Syrian leadership.

Within the Syrian leadership, there are more sophisticated people who understand that Mr. Barak must take into account Israeli public opinion.

"I am certain the Syrian leadership will complete this process."

He was one of the few Sunni Muslims to make it to the top of the Alawite-dominated Syrian leadership.

The Syrian leadership bears a full responsibility for the violence against unarmed civilians.

The Syrian leadership was reported to have threatened Hariri and others to make them support the amendment.

At the same time, the EU will continue to press the Syrian leadership in public and private to refrain from using force against demonstrators.

He said that meant the Syrian leadership could change course if it felt support for terrorism threatened its interests rather than protecting them.

The Syrian leadership seems to be no exception.