dvan:

have you read any books on the mideast? May I commend to you a somewhat dated but perceptive little book called "From Beirut To Jerusalem" by Thomas Friedman of the New York Times. He mentioned a very important political concept in the Mideast, "Hama Rules". Hama was a city in which considerable political and Islamic fundamentalist power was concentrated against the ruler of Syria, at the time the father of the current ruler of Syria. So Assad had the city bombed. Out there in the open. Took movies and photos and made sure everyone was well aware of it. No more opposition. Was behind at least two major assassinations of Lebanese leaders.

Was the current leader of Syria behind the latest assassination? It would have been extremely unwise, but not implausible and by no means impossible.

There's a lot of good stuff in the book. Friedman had something choice to say about everybody, but when you get a few books under your belt, you won't be so blown about by every rumor on the latest blog.