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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria Moves To Block Insurgency Flow
2005-12-21
For the first time, the U.S. military has acknowledged Syrian efforts to block the flow of Sunni insurgents into Iraq. U.S. commanders reported Syrian troop deployment along its side of the 600-kilometer border with Iraq. They said Syrian authorities have also captured Al Qaida-aligned insurgents before they reached the Iraqi border. "On the other side, the Syrians appear to be taking some action to pick up foreign fighters and suicide bombers coming through Syria," Gen. George Casey, commander of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq said on Dec. 16. "We have indications of a few -- not a major change in their operating style."

In November, Syria announced the deployment of 10,000 troops along the border with Iraq. Syrian officials said the regime of President Bashar Assad has erected barriers and barbed wire along parts of the border.
Posted by:Fred

#13  Half ass and probably aimed at his own enemies anyway. Assad knows he better play nice or his destruction is guaranteed.

Half ass attempts on his behalf will result in half ass efforts on our behalf to save him from the gallows later methinks.

EP
Posted by: ElvisHasLeftTheBuilding   2005-12-21 17:38  

#12  Maybe they could put up a toll booth like in "Blazing Saddles", and make all the nasties go back to get quarters...
Posted by: mojo   2005-12-21 16:55  

#11  I don't know about that. Remember the whining about Cambodia?
I remember that, I also remember that all they did was complain, and our guys just kept it quieter from then on.
Posted by: Redneck Jim   2005-12-21 14:07  

#10  We historically have not had a problem chasing bad guys into other nations and continuing the persuit with or without their permission.

I don't know about that. Remember the whining about Cambodia?
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-12-21 11:44  

#9  Helping the US is looking like a far better dean to Baby A than having to defend against us or explain why we are in his country. We historically have not had a problem chasing bad guys into other nations and continuing the persuit with or without their permission. He's dumb but not totally stupid.
Posted by: 49 pan   2005-12-21 10:22  

#8  Cooperation, albeit grudging and desultory.

I wouldn't call it even that. Their minimal activity is being noticed, but it has no real impact.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-12-21 10:04  

#7  Joe! Loan me some Buddy, it's working!
Posted by: Buckminster Spemble1220   2005-12-21 08:59  

#6  Syria and Baby Assad have two problems - Iranian-controlled armed militias, and the now burgeoning, anti-everyone Palestinian armed fractions desirous of "living space". By his recent agreement to supp Iran, Assad JR is only getting sovereign Syria into a deeper Inter-Muslim mess - THE IRONY HERE IS IFF BABY ASSAD ISN'T CAREFUL, HE MIGHT HAVE TO ASK DUBYA TO SAVE HIS OWN SKIN AND THAT OF ANY ASSAD DYNASTY FROM HIS FELLOW MUSLIMS.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2005-12-21 02:25  

#5  Probably more to do with events in Israel more than anything. For Israel, the road (or flight path) to Iran might go through Syria. If Syria shows just an inkling of cooperation, Israel might be persuaded to leave them alone, this time.
There's enough to keep the Syrians guessing: Israeli elections coming up, Israel's suggestion of military planning (smart move), Ahmadinejad gone berserk, Sharon in the hospital...
Posted by: Rafael   2005-12-21 00:38  

#4  You can 'Shop this, Frank...
Hmmmm, Syrian Ba'athists...
Or you could leave it as is...
Same difference, methinks.
Posted by: .com   2005-12-21 00:37  

#3  "This border Sunni litter cleanup sponsored by the:

Syrian Military"
Posted by: Frank G   2005-12-21 00:24  

#2  Or the Syrians cells are being reassigned, pending further developments in The Fall of Assad©
Posted by: Seafarious   2005-12-21 00:22  

#1  "We have indications of a few -- not a major change in their operating style."

Cooperation, albeit grudging and desultory. Kind of like a student picking up trash as an alternative to detention...
Posted by: Pappy   2005-12-21 00:15  

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