The relationship between Syria and the United States, a relationship marred by more than four decades of mutual distrust, deteriorated sharply following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

After Lebanon and Israel agreed to a U.N.-brokered cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared Hezbollah crippled and vowed to still pursue its leaders, while Hezbollah head Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah claimed victory. Middle East experts discuss the cease-fire and its…