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Syria and Iraq to cooperate on crime 
AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 3:24 PM
Syria and Iraq signed on to a plan Monday to cooperate in combating terrorism and crime, the official SUNA Syrian news agency said.Syria and Iraq sign security agreement AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 12:35 PM
Syria and Iraq signed an agreement on boosting security cooperation, less than a month after a renewal of diplomatic relations, the state news agency SANA reported.Olmert rejects resuming peace talks with Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 12:29 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert rejected resuming peace talks with Syria, days after President Bashar al-Assad called for a resumption of negotiations frozen for six years.Syria undermining government in Lebanon: Blair AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 11:09 AM
Prime Minister Tony Blair accused Syria of undermining Lebanon's administration, which he said was preventing his government engaging in "constructive" relations with Damascus.Kerry, Dodd Talk With Lebanese Leaders Ahead of Syria Trip Fox News - Dec 18 8:42 AM
Senators John Kerry and Christopher Dodd met with Lebanese leaders on Monday, a day before the two lawmakers travel to Syria.McCain. Lieberman,urge Israel not to talk to Syria Calcutta News - Dec 18 6:06 PM
A team of U.S. senators told Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday, Israel should have nothing to do with talks with Syria. The senators, led by presidential hopeful John McCain, and the newly independent Joseph Lieberman, say they are vehemently opposed to opening discussions with Syria.Israeli PM says hoping to make peace with Syria People's Daily - Dec 18 4:56 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday that Israel wanted to make peace with all Arab countries, including Syria.Israel's Mossad: Syria is arming Hezbollah rapidly People's Daily - Dec 18 4:24 PM
Syria is arming the Hezbollah guerillas at rapid pace and trying to topple the Lebanese government, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency said on Monday.US should talk to Syria, Iran: Colin Powell AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 17 10:53 AM
The United States should talk to Syria and Iran about strife in the Middle East, former secretary of state Colin Powell said.Iran wants Israel to return Golan to Syria UPI - Dec 18 9:28 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Iran's ambassador to Syria made a subtle overture Monday, saying Iran wants to see the disputed Golan Heights returned to Syria by Israel.White House critical of senator s Syria trip Kansas City Star - Dec 18 12:26 AM
WASHINGTON | Sen. Arlen Specter, a 26-year Senate Republican, says he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration.Mossad chief: Syria feels more secure to attack Israel Al Bawaba - Dec 18 7:59 AM
Despite Syria's peace overtures it is "more willing now than ever before" to take military action against Israel, Mossad Chief Meir Dagan told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday.Diplomacy with Syria had in the past helped the U.S. stop rocket attacks against Israel- That s what the former U.S. ... Al Jazeera - Dec 18 1:49 AM
It seems that Powell s diplomatic and military experience has taught him that it s always good to engage nations, even countries like Iran and Syria, who re dubbed enemies by President Bush , in dialogue.Mossad Chief: Syria More Prepared After Lebanon War Israel National News - Dec 18 7:33 AM
(IsraelNN.com) Syria is more prepared to enter into a conflict with Israel since the Jewish State s failure to win a decisive victory against Hizbullah terrorists in the second Lebanon War this summer, according to Mossad Chief Meir Dagan.Pontiff Appeals for Aid for Iraqi Refugees in Syria Catholic Times - Dec 18 2:19 AM
Benedict XVI appealed to the international community and to private institutions to help the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have sought refuge in Syria.US should talk to Syria, Iran: Colin Powell IranMania.com - Dec 17 10:17 PM
LONDON, December 18 (IranMania) - The United States should talk to Syria and Iran about strife in the Middle East, former secretary of state Colin Powell said, AFP reported.Israeli PM doubts talks with Syria due to U.S. pressure: paper People's Daily - Dec 17 5:10 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Sunday Israel should refrain from talks with Syria at the current stage, which was interpreted by local paper as a sign of a policy of avoid going against the U.S. stance regarding Damascus.Israeli-Syrian tensions run high over border region USA Today - Dec 18 6:42 PM
A key recommendation of the Iraq Study Group is that Israel renew negotiations with Syria over the occupied Golan Heights as a step toward regional stability. But tensions over the area have rarely been higher.Israel's Peretz sees Syria's call for talks deserving consideration People's Daily - Dec 17 4:40 PM
Israel's Defense Minister Amir Peretz said on Sunday that Syria's overtures for dialogue with Israel deserve consideration while some officials show caution at Damascus' support for "terror", local media reported.Hariri: Syria, Iran trying to block tribunal The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 17 12:40 PM
MP Saad Hariri told a gathering of international leftists over the weekend that Syria, Iran and their allies in Lebanon are attempting to block the creation of an international court to try his father's killers. "The tribunal's creation is crucial for the future of democracy, moderation, justice and human rights in Lebanon, and the region," the Future Movement leader told a conference of the ...'US should talk to Syria, Iran' News 24 South Africa - Dec 17 12:27 PM
The United States should talk to Syria and Iran about strife in the Middle East, says former secretary of state Colin Powell.Channel 2 Report: Syria Wants Secret Talks with Israel Israel National News - Dec 17 1:18 PM
(IsraelNN.com) Syria is looking for a way to conduct secret negotiations with Israel, Channel Two television reported Sunday night.US Officials: Hezbollah Rebuilds On Help From Iran, Syria Nasdaq - Dec 18 12:08 PM
WASHINGTON (AP)--Money to help rebuild Hezbollah strongholds has been pouring into Lebanon, and arms may not be far behind, according to U.S. officials familiar with the efforts to restock everything from kitchen shelves to arsenals following this summer's conflict with Israel.Democrats challenge Bush doctrine on Mideast tour The Christian Science Monitor - Dec 18 3:43 PM
Sens. John Kerry and Christopher Dodd are due to meet Syria's president on Tuesday. The conspiracy against Lebanon The Christian Science Monitor - Dec 18 3:32 PM
US officials must make clear that they are not selling out Lebanon to Syria. Israeli Defense Minister hints at willingness to speak with Syria Al Bawaba - Dec 17 5:44 AM
Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that Israel should hold an "urgent debate" to weigh Syria's recent diplomatic overture to consider entering into negotiations with Damascus.EU, Syria call for Talk instead of Fighting Israel National News - Dec 17 8:34 AM
(IsraelNN.com) Syria and the European Union (EU) called on Fatah and Hamas forces to cease the widening violence and to resume talks. Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas has proposed a unity government on condition that Hamas recognize Israel.Syria president Bashar al-Assad visits Moscow Itar-Tass - Dec 18 11:47 AM
BEIRUT, December 18 (Itar-Tass) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day working visit. He will meet President Vladimir Putin.Kerry, senators, send wrong message to Syria Eagle-Tribune Online - Dec 18 9:08 AM
A number of U.S. senators, among them Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, are touring the Middle East, visiting foreign capitals, hobnobbing with dictators and democrats, all under the guise of fact-finding.Syria offers "peace" in response to ISG proposals Jerusalem Newswire - Dec 17 3:35 AM
A week after the controversial Iraq Study Group recommended that the Bush administration open discussions with Iran and Syria in a bid to extricate the US from Iraq, Syrian strongman Bashar el-Assad invited Israel to talk peace.PM associates: Syria will support terror, even with Golan Haaretz Daily - Dec 16 11:53 PM
In an interview published Friday in the Italian daily La Repubblica, Syrian President Bashar Assad called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to heed his calls for peace. "Talk to Syria, and like many Israelis are saying, 'even if you think it's a bluff you have nothing to lose.'"Upton encourages Bush to talk with Iran and Syria The Kalamazoo Gazette - Dec 16 10:13 PM
President Bush should adopt key components of the Iraq Study Group report, including the initiation of talks with Iran and Syria, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton says.Kerry sending wrong message to Syria The Salem News - Dec 18 9:31 AM
A number of U.S. senators, among them Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, are touring the Middle East, visiting foreign capitals and hobnobbing with dictators under the guise of fact-finding.Republican Sen. Specter plans Syria trip AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 6:30 PM
Sen. Arlen Specter, a 26-year Senate Republican, said he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration, contending the situation in Iraq is so dire that it is time Congress step up to the plate and see what it can do.Peretz: Urgent Debate on Syria Needed Israel National News - Dec 17 1:33 AM
(IsraelNN.com) Defense Minister Amir Peretz said today that urgent decisions need be made regarding Israel s response to a recent call from Syria for a dialogue. There will be a price for an agreement, that s clear, he said.Powell: US should talk to Syria, Iran about Iraq Middle East Online - Dec 18 4:23 AM
Former US Secretary of State says his experience proves talks with Damascus are fruitful.Palestinian groups in Syria reject Abbas' call for early elections People's Daily - Dec 16 7:09 PM
Palestinian groups in exile in Syria Saturday rejected a call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for early elections, saying the move lacked real reasons and was illegal.Kerry calls Bush refusal of dialogue with Iran, Syria "a mistake" Fox21 - Dec 16 5:34 PM
CAIRO, Egypt Senator John Kerry says it's "a mistake" for the Bush administration to reject talks with Syria and Iran about calming Iraq.Kerry, Dodd hold talks with Lebanese leaders on political crisis Boston Globe - Dec 18 11:07 AM
U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Christopher Dodd held talks Monday with Lebanese leaders on the country's deepening political crisis, a day before the two Democratic lawmakers head to neighboring Syria.On the Arar case, U.S. envoy admits nothing CBC - Dec 18 2:27 PM
Washington's ambassador to Canada isn't budging from a statement that Maher Arar was sent to Syria, where he was tortured, on information from multiple sources and not just a bad tip from the RCMP.Siniora stresses friendly ties with Iran, Syria ArabicNews.com - Dec 16 5:00 PM
Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora stressed yesterday evening Lebanon's friendly ties with Iran and Syria, saying Beirut had no enemy but the Israeli regime.Hotlinks Tiscali - 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
Syria, whose top officials had been implicated by Brammertz s predecessor in the February 2005 killing, had provided prompt replies to his requests, he said.Syrian foreign minister Moallem, left, went on a ground-breaking visit to Iraq in November Aljazeera - Dec 18 2:37 PM
Syria and Iraq on Monday signed an agreement on boosting security co-operation, less than a month after a renewal of diplomatic relations, the state news agency Sana reported.Gov't Source: Don t Ignore Syria's Call for Peace Israel National News - Dec 16 8:33 PM
(IsraelNN.com) A government source has said that Israel cannot ignore the latest call for peace issued by Syrian President Bashar Assad, Voice of Israel government radio reported Sunday morning. The source said that further information is needed concerning what Syria has in mind.Don't turn Syria away Haaretz Daily - Dec 18 12:46 AM
Once again, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert turned down the offers yesterday of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his foreign minister, Walid Mualem, to renew the peace talks between the two countries.Kerry: U.S. should talk with Iran, Syria AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 11:21 AM
Sen. John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said Friday that the Bush administration's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq is a mistake.Lebanon PM seeks Kremlin's help in Syria crisis AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 10:44 AM
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora met with President Vladimir Putin in a bid to get Moscow to pressure Syria over political unrest in Beirut, seen by Siniora as a Damascus-backed coup attempt.Kerry defends upcoming trip to Syria Boston Globe - Dec 16 12:49 AM
WASHINGTON -- Senator John F. Kerry yesterday defended his decision to meet with the president of Syria next week and said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice did not try to talk him out of the meeting when they met face-to-face earlier this month to discuss his Middle East trip.Should Bush talk to Syria? Aljazeera - Dec 16 7:07 AM
In recent weeks, US politicians have urged that the Bush administration engage in dialogue with Syria , an Arab country considered by the White House to be a state sponsor of terrorism and a conduit for fighters both in Iraq and Lebanon .Poll: 52% Want Syria, Iran in Iraq Talks Rasmussen Reports via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 10:12 AM
The Iraq Study Group recommended that Syria and Iran be included in talks about the future of Iraq. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected that recommendation. The American people have mixed views on it.Syria and Tehran Pulling the Strings in Lebanon World Headlines - Dec 18 1:22 AM
With the recent assassination of prominent, young politician Pierre Gemayel, the land of cedars continues to carry with it the label of country of martyrs.Sen. Dodd Planning Trip to Syria 1010 WINS New York - Dec 16 5:46 AM
Senator Chris Dodd among several members of Congress planning trips to Syria.Specter says he will visit Syria The Philadelphia Inquirer - Dec 16 12:08 AM
Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.) says he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration, contending the situation in Iraq is so dire that it is time for Congress to see what it can do.Sen. Arlen Specter Planning Trip to Syria Fox News - Dec 15 7:11 PM
Veteran GOP Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania says he is going to visit Syria, despite objections from the White House.Kerry, Dodd hold talks with Lebanese leaders on political crisis Stamford Advocate - Dec 18 11:40 AM
U.S. senators John Kerry and Christopher Dodd held talks Monday with Lebanese leaders on the country's deepening political crisis, a day before the two Democratic lawmakers head to neighboring Syria. Olmert, Blair stress backing for Abbas The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 18 2:06 PM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he plans to set up a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas "very soon," and release seized Palestinian funds for "humanitarian" purposes, as part of measures to bolster the Palestinian president. Olmert again insisted that Israel will not resume peace talks with Syria at the present time.Rice rejects talks with Iran, Syria on Iraq CNN.com - Dec 15 6:55 AM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.Netanyahu: Not in Favor of Syria Talks Yet Israel National News - Dec 16 1:33 PM
The office of Likud head and opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement correcting a report on Channel 10 tonight, saying that Netanyahu supported opening talks with Syria immediately.Airport privatisation, OVL's Syria buy among best deals of '06 New Kerala - Dec 18 8:52 AM
New Delhi, Dec 18: The privatisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports and the joint acquisition of Petro-Canada's Syrian Assets by ONGC Videsh and China National Petroleum (CNPC) have been listed among the ten most outstanding deals of 2006 in Asia, by the CFO Asia magazine.US rejects reaching out to Iran, Syria: report AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 5:01 AM
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rejected reaching out to Iran and Syria in an interview, saying neither country should need an incentive to push for stability in Iraq.Lebanon Hariri U.N. probe head says progress made Reuters via Yahoo! News - 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
The head of a U.N. inquiry into the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri said on Monday he had made progress in analyzing the crime scene in Beirut and investigating suspects.Peres: Israel has preconditions for talking with Syria Israel National News - Dec 16 10:49 AM
Responding to a call by Syria's foreign minister Walid Moallem, for Damascus and Jerusalem to open talks without preconditions, vice-Prime Minister Shimon Peres said that Syria must stop supporting terror first.Troop surge questioned Orange County Register - Dec 18 3:12 AM
Powell says the Army is 'about broken' and urges talks with Iran and Syria. WASHINGTON Colin L. Powell, the former secretary of state and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday that the Army was "about broken" and that he saw nothing to justify an increase in troops in Iraq.Middle East Challenges and Opportunities in 2007: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict [Press Release] U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 10:03 AM
EVENT: The International Center for Terrorism Studies at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies and the Homeland Security Policy Institute at The George Washington University cordially invite you to a special international seminar on "Strategic Outlook: Terrorism, War, and the Roadmap to Reconciliation, Stability and Peace."Leading Republican senator plans Syria trip despite White House opposition KWQC-TV 6 Davenport - Dec 16 8:02 AM
WASHINGTON Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is planning a trip to Syria, despite objections by the Bush administration.Serving Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties Since 1858. Daily Mining Gazette - Dec 18 9:40 AM
Don t count on Syria and Iran As conventional wisdom, reflected in the Iraq Study Group report on Iraq and other Beltway chatter, lays the groundwork for foreseeable U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, one hopes rational people will ask tough questions about the nature of the regimes the old guard now seeks to do business with.Lebanon PM seeks Kremlin's help in Syria crisis AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 2:17 AM
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was expected to press President Vladimir Putin to use his influence with Syria to help defuse a political crisis that Siniora sees as a Damascus-backed coup attempt.Kerry Slams Bush For Rejecting Syria Talks CBS News - Dec 15 12:36 PM
Sen. John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said it's a mistake that the Bush administration has rejected a dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq.No Middle East peace without Syria, Iran: Assad Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 15 1:24 AM
The United States and Europe must talk to Syria and Iran if they want a comprehensive solution to Iraq and other Middle East conflicts, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published on Friday.Kerry urges reconciliation in Lebanon AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 6:04 PM
Sen. John Kerry, on a visit to Lebanon Monday, called for moving away from "the ideologies of extremism" and urged political reconciliation among rival factions to resolve the country's deepening political crisis.Specter plans Syria trip despite White House opposition WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg - Dec 16 2:23 AM
Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania says he will visit Syria despite loud objections by the Bush administration.Trip doesn t matter : Kerry still won t be serious contender Boston Herald - Dec 18 12:27 AM
Some political observers say Sen. John Kerry s presidential dreams were dashed months ago and his trip to terrorist-supporting Syria this week won t do anything to change that.Iran Article Is Blocked Amid Dispute on Cause New York Times - 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
Two former government Mideast experts accused the White House of abusing secrecy rules to block the publication of an article they had written for The New York Times.Hassan sentenced for abducting sons RTÉ News - Dec 18 4:32 AM
The husband of the murdered Latvian woman, Baiba Saulite, has been sentenced to two years in jail for abducting their two young children and arranging to have them sent to his family in Syria.In Abbas, Western Hopes Hang on Thin Reed New York Times - 1 hour, 11 minutes ago
Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate Palestinian Authority president, has little power to carry out his decrees or his will.Rice Rejects Overture To Iran And Syria Washington Post - Dec 15 12:49 AM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the United States seek the help of Syria and Iran in Iraq, saying the "compensation" required by any deal might be too high. She argued that neither country should need incentives to foster stability in Iraq.... Lebanese PM stresses his country's friendly ties with Iran, Syria Islamic Republic News Agency - Dec 16 1:37 AM
Iran - Syria - Lebanon Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora stressed Friday evening Lebanon's friendly ties with Iran and Syria, saying Beirut had no enemy but the Israeli regime.Rice Says U.S. Support for Middle East Democracy Is Nonnegotiable U.S. Department of State - Dec 18 7:30 AM
Responding to calls for the United States to engage Iran and Syria to help secure Iraq, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said December 14 that even though diplomatic negotiation may be built on artful compromise, Iran and Syria must understand that U.S. support for democracy in the region is nonnegotiable. If they have an interest in a stable Iraq, they'll do it anyway, Rice told the ...Abbas determined to go ahead with vote AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 5:59 PM
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday he will push ahead with new elections despite a wave of factional fighting between his Fatah party and the rival Islamic group Hamas.Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 10:42 PM
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's recommendation that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilize Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.Poll: Approval for Iraq handling drops to new low CNN.com - Dec 18 6:09 PM
Support for President Bush's management of the Iraq war has dropped to an all-time low even as his overall approval remains tepid but steady, according to a CNN poll released Monday.CORRECTED: U.S. official warns UAE on trade with Iran, Syria Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 10:41 PM
The United States warned the United Arab Emirates on Thursday it may take action against the Gulf state if it fails to halt the flow of technology to Iran and Syria that can be used to make improvised bombs.UN investigator cites progress in Hariri murder probe AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 3:57 PM
UN chief investigator Serge Brammertz cited progress in gathering crime scene evidence and probing potential perpetrators in the murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri last year.UN chief investigator cites progress in Hariri murder probe AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 2:52 PM
UN chief investigator Serge Brammertz cited progress in developing crime scene evidence and probing potential perpetrators in the murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri last year.THE EVIL WITHIN THE INNOCENCE Georgie Anne Geyer via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 2:43 PM
WASHINGTON -- There was a brief period of wishful thinking after the Baker/Hamilton Commission report was issued last week that W.'s "Axis of Evil" might have died along with any real hope of winning in Iraq -- but no.Kerry defends 'dialogue' with Syria, Iran Worcester Telegram & Gazette - Dec 16 1:44 AM
CAIRO, Egypt - Sen. John F. Kerry, on a Mideast tour that will take him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said yesterday that the Bush administration's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq is a mistake.Sen. Kerry Urges Talks with Iran, Syria Fox News - Dec 15 7:56 AM
Sen. John Kerry urges the Bush administration to open a dialogue with Iran and Syria about Iraq while on a fact-finding trip to the Mideast.Iraq, Syria discuss border security Hindustan Times - Dec 17 6:56 AM
Iraqi and Syrian interior ministers held talks and discussed ways of improving security along their border.Briefly: Mozart opera returns amid tight security International Herald Tribune - 54 minutes ago
INTERNATIONALUS defends early Palestinian election call despite legal ambiguity AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 3:06 PM
The United States defended a controversial decision by Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to call early elections despite doubts about the legality of the move.Iran Also Eyeing the Golan Heights Israel National News - Dec 18 5:33 AM
(IsraelNN.com) The Golan Heights is coming under increasing scrutiny not only by Syria but by Iran as well. Iran s Ambassador to Syria said Monday in an interview published in the London-based Al Hayat newspaper that his nation is very invested in returning the Golan to Syrian rule.White House Upset by Senator?s Trip to Syria New York Times - Dec 14 6:48 PM
The White House said Senator Bill Nelson of Florida?s trip to Syria was inappropriate and undermined democracy in the region.Leading Republican senator plans Syria trip despite White House opposition WHNT-TV Huntsville - Dec 15 8:06 PM
WASHINGTON Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter is planning a trip to Syria, despite objections by the Bush administration. Specter says he and other G-O-P members are...Rice rejects engaging Iran, Syria on Iraq-Post Reuters via Yahoo! Singapore News - Dec 15 2:58 PM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a bipartisan panel's proposal that the Bush administration engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilise Iraq, The Washington Post reported on Friday.Senator Kerry: US should talk with Iran, Syria IranMania.com - Dec 15 9:01 PM
LONDON, December 16 (IranMania) - US Senator John Kerry, on a Mideast tour taking him to Damascus for talks with President Bashar Assad, said Friday that the Bush administration's rejection of dialogue with Syria and Iran to try to calm Iraq is a mistake, The Associated Press reported.Bush administration criticizes senators' contacts with Syria Baltimore Sun - Dec 16 11:50 PM
The White House stepped up its pressure yesterday on senators engaging in direct talks with Syrian leaders, saying their trips to Damascus risk undermining U.S. efforts to encourage democracy in the Middle East. At swearing-in, Gates warns failure in Iraq would be a "calamity" AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 1:18 PM
Robert Gates took the oath of office as US defense secretary, warning that a US failure in Iraq would be a "calamity" and vowing not to let Afghanistan again become a sanctuary for extremists.Rice rejects Iran, Syria help Gulf News - Dec 15 9:21 PM
Washington: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has rejected a plan to engage Syria and Iran in efforts to stabilise Iraq, saying that "compensation" for such a deal might be too high.Abbas seeks aid to start peace talks AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 18 1:09 PM
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday he is pushing ahead with early elections despite factional fighting that intensified after his initial call for a poll and appealed for international help in restarting peace talks with Israel.Full Nelson For Syria's Assad Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News - Dec 14 4:00 PM
Diplomacy: In the first contact with a U.S. official since the Iraq Study Group suggested we talk with him, Syria's Baathist dictator, Bashar Assad, welcomes Sen. Bill Nelson, the first of many appeasers to come.