Richard Beeston, Diplomatic Editor of The Times, explains why the wider political context has made the Syria-Iraq rapprochment more significant than it first seems.

On the surface, this weekend's summit meeting between the leaders of Iraq, Syria and Iran does not represent a new departure.

Ever since the Iraqi Government came into being it has had regular contacts with both the Syrian and Iranian regimes. Some of those in government in Baghdad spent time in exile in both Damascus and Tehran and continue to have good relations with both countries.

What makes this week's meeting different is the political context. Both Washington and London are openly discussing the need to engage Syria and Iran and enlist their help in resolving the turmoil in Iraq.

If President Talal Jalabani, the Iraqi leader, can bring about rapprochement between the Bush Administration and its foes in Damascus and Tehran then there could be an opening worth pursuing.

The US military in Iraq believes that 100 insurgent fighters cross the border into Iraq from Syria each month and that Damascus is hosting many ex-Baathist Iraqis who actively engaged in organising attacks across the border. Similarly, American and British officials believe that Iran is supporting Shia Muslim militia groups in Iraq.

Both countries could play an important role in helping to stabilise the situation in Iraq. But their support would come at a cost. Iran wants Washington and London to stop their campaign to impose sanctions on Tehran for its controversial nuclear programme.

Syria also would like to increase its influence over events in neighbouring Lebanon, which the West is trying to prevent. It would also like the West to put pressure on Israel to offer concessions on a land for peace deal over the Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and held ever since.

It is hard to imagine that Tehran and Damascus will be cooperative over Iraq while they are engaged in their own disputes with America and Britain.

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