THE DOMINO EFFECT

The Bush Doctrine pays dividends.

Syria has asked Australia to use its close ties with the United States to help shake off its reputation as a terrorist haven and end a US-imposed diplomatic freeze, it was reported here on Saturday.

The Weekend Australian said Syria had sent a delegation to Canberra and had hosted a series of visits by Australian parliamentarians. Secret talks have centred on trying to change Syria’s reputation and mending its relations with Washington. Australia’s close relationship with Washington, and its much-higher profile in the Middle East, prompted Syria to appeal to Canberra for help, the report said.

The approach follows Libya’s recent British-sponsored rapprochement with the West, in which Australia also played a role.