November 27, 1998 In studying the fax sent to me from the CG at the Syrian embassy, I still remain in awe at the shear level of sophistication shown in this masterpiece of "damage control". The letter states, "You can travel to Syria anytime you wish to exercise your right to visit with your daughter Nadia, in accordance with Syrian law." My first response is to suppress laughter as it is obvious that "Syrian law" is a convenience contrived to suit the purposes of those who are empowered to use it - or not. Obviously my Syrian custody is an example of this. It is a gracious gesture on the part of the Syrians, however, I would have been much more impressed had they responded by saying, "You can travel to Syria anytime you wish to exercise your right to custody and recover your daughter Nadia, in accordance with Syrian law." The fax goes on, "Meanwhile, you can not (and must not try to) get Nadia out of of Syria." I definitely take this as a serious warning. Syria is not the place to tangle with the law. The Geneva Convention IS NOT alive and well there. The letter goes on and states, "Moreover, Mr. Imad Madani in whose home Nadia lives....has signed a statement not to object to your visiting with Nadia." Again, the urge to laugh is suppressed. In an unclassified transmission from the U.S. embassy in Damascus, they write, "He (Imad Madani) stated that Nadia would be able to see her mother again when she was a grown-up." The fax goes on, " Should you like to travel to Syria to visit your daughter, please communicate your desire to this office, your visa is ready and the embassy's staff will do their best for making your trip easy and fruitful" Well, I must say they are as polite as always. Now let me think, I have made this trip 3 times already. It has cost me tens of thousands of dollars. I usually get sent to a hotel or some officials office to wait, hand over large amounts of money as demanded, and wait. After a few hours, days or weeks, I am told they can not find Nadia and I return to the U.S. deeper in debt and with empty arms. I suppose I will attempt to go again, after all, there is always that chance they will let me see her. I am sure that will not be the case though. I do not have the tens of thousands of dollars that I know will be requested of me as soon as I enter Damascus. In fact, for some time now, I would not even be able to raise the money to pay for airfare. This is always the hardest part. Paying for a chance......paying for hope.....knowing it is a long shot. The proposition of a visit definitely raises deep concerns. In the same unclassified communication sent from the US embassy in Damascus it states, " Post initially sent a diplomatic note to the MFA (Minister of Foreign Affairs) requesting SARG assistance in arranging the visit. The MFA formally responded on July 21 ......(and) "stated that embassy efforts to visit the child would have to be undertaken"through the court". MFA consular officials confirmed this to consular FSN in a subsequent telecommunication." I personally can not understand why any government in any country would deny diplomats a "welfare check" on their citizen. It is common and general protocol to cooperate. Further, by telling US diplomats to GO TO COURT....is unheard of! Syria has been trying to get off the US list of terrorist countries. They want trade sanctions lifted. If this is a typical example of diplomacy and diplomatic courtesy, I can now see why that has not happened. DAMN....the politics of abduction!