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Old Enemies Take a Step Toward Peace

The nations of Israel and Syria have gone to war three times in the past 50 years. But last week leaders from the two countries, with help from U.S. President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, talked seriously about peace. Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa met in quiet Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Last week's talks got off to a rough start. But most Middle East experts were amazed that the Arab nation of Syria and the Jewish state of Israel were talking at all! In a 1967 war, Israel captured a Syrian area called the Golan Heights. Syria wants the land back. Israel may give it up if Syria will promise not to threaten several border towns in Israel.

World leaders believe a peace agreement between Israel and Syria could lay the groundwork for an end to Israel's conflicts with other Arab neighbors. But the road to peace between these enemies could be long and bumpy.

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