Report: U.S. tells Israel to ignore Syria

The United States reportedly rejects even exploratory talks between Israel and Syria. “Don’t even think about it,” was U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s message to Israeli officials during her visit to the region earlier this week, according to Ha’aretz. Israeli leaders are split over recent overtures from Syria: Some believe the outreach is merely for show, while others believe it might have some substance. The Bush administration believes Syrian President Bashar Assad wants to buy time to shore up terrorists in Lebanon and insurgents in Iraq.