An Act of Dubious Diplomacy: Jesse Jackson Goes to Syria

Jesse Jackson goes to Syria, on a wing and a prayer

Presidential candidates often make high-profile trips abroad, serious-looking junkets meant to convince voters that they know about international affairs and could, if elected, manage foreign policy marvelously. Democratic Contender Jesse Jackson went one step further last week, flying off to Syria in hopes of meeting with ailing President Hafez Assad and winning the freedom of Navy Lieut. Robert Goodman, 27. Goodman's jet was shot down over Lebanon Dec. 4 during a bombing raid against Syrian positions.

For the shrewd Syrians, who invited Jackson after the candidate had asked for Goodman's release, it...

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