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British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he is hopeful that 2009 will be an opportunity to bring change to the Middle East.Miliband arrived in Beirut after visiting Syria, Israel and the West Bank as part of a Mideast tour. Speaking Wednesday after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, he said the next year will be one of change globally because there is a new American president and there will be elections in Israel, Lebanon and Iran, adding that every country needs to think what contributions it wants to make toward peace and stability in the Middle East.He also expressed support for Lebanon's independence and democracy.In Damascus on Monday, Miliband urged Syria to promote stability in the Mideast, and said the situation in the Middle East is fragile and that Syria has key regional responsibilities.In his comments, he suggested the future relationship with Syria depended on its good intentions.Western leaders are trickling back to Syria after years of isolation.They are apparently encouraged by Syria's decision earlier this year to formalize diplomatic ties with neighboring Lebanon and its indirect peace talks with Israel.As in the days of Noah....
