From: ehud barak To: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Op-Ed draft Last Version Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 14:21:36 +0000 Jeff Thank you very much. Unfortunately we came to a deadline and had to sent somewhat less brilliant text. I hope one of the big three will buy it. Best EB Sent from my iPhone On May 20, 2013, at 11:55, Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> wrote: Need s editing . I'll call in two hrs On Monday, May 20, 2013, ehud barak wrote: Jeff Sorry to disturb you. This is the right draft. It has certain slight but important modifications. Please delete the previous one to avoid confusion. Thx. Best EB >>> >>> The unfolding tragedy in Syria which already cost the lives of 75 thousands had culminated these days with evidence of the use of nerve agents by the Assad regime against his own citizens and the videotaped executions as well as canibalism in the name of God on behalf of the rebels. Have we said: "tough neighbourhood " ? lives lost, red lines crossed but no coordinated plan, in sight, to end it had yet emerged. >>> Beyond the human suffering three main risks are embedded in this situation: first, the very continuation of the blood spill in a place where blood revenge is a cultural norm and the conflict already became a magnet for extremist groups complicates the ending of the bloodshed and increase the odds of post Assad Syria ending up as a failing state, a new Lebanon at best or somalia at worst. >>> Secondly, the possibility of much wider use of chemical weapons grows with every round of actual use, as the psychological thresholds and impact of external deterrence are waning out. And with it the prospect of chemical weapons in terrorists hands and the internal civil war deteriorating into much wider regional conflict. A, deterioration can easily develop as a result of a Syrian attempts to transfer advanced weapon systems to Hezbollah in Lebanon, as Israel is committed to block it. physically if nece