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Syria's isolation over: deputy PM 
AFP via Yahoo! News - 37 minutes ago
The international isolation of Syria is over as Western powers have realised they need to work with Damascus, Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah Dardari has told a British newspaper.US-Syria talks key to ending Lebanon crisis: think-tank AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 7:11 AM
The United States must change policy and reach out to Syria if the crisis in Lebanon is to be resolved, according to the International Crisis Group think-tank.Senator Urges Talks with Syria to Ease Iraq Violence The Online NewsHour - Dec 22 5:15 PM
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who recently returned from a trip to the Middle East where he visited several countries including U.S. foe Syria, discusses how he thinks Iraq's neighbors can help ease the sectarian violence.Shields, Brooks React to Syria Talks Debate, Bush Press Conference on Iraq The Online NewsHour - Dec 22 5:15 PM
With some Democratic senators pushing for talks with Syria and Iran, and President Bush postponing his decision on Iraq policy until the new year, politics columnists Mark Shields and David Brooks offer analysis of the U.S. role in the Middle East.Outside View: Syria must be involved UPI - Dec 22 3:14 PM
MOSCOW, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has reminded the world that Syria was forced into international isolation for its ties with Iran and for supporting terrorism. But the Moscow visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad belies this statement.More Palestinians arrive at Iraq-Syria border to escape violence in Baghdad AlertNet - Dec 22 9:06 AM
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees The UN refugee agency said on Friday that more Palestinians have arrived at the Iraq-Syria border after fleeing Baghdad to escape increasing violence, harassment and targeted killings. U.N. wants access to Iranians extradited by Syria AlertNet - Dec 22 4:51 AM
Source: Reuters GENEVA, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The United Nations is seeking access to four Iranians who were quietly repatriated from Syria, despite having been recognised as refugees, a spokesman for the U.N. High ... 'Kidnapped' Dutch children arrive home from Syria AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 7:42 AM
Two Dutch children who had been living in their country's embassy in Damascus since fleeing their Syrian father in June have arrived back in the Netherlands.Secretary of State Rice Places Conditions on Iran, Syria for Talks The Online NewsHour - Dec 21 5:30 PM
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice re-asserts President Bush's need to seek input on Iraq strategy from a variety of sources beyond the Iraq Study Group and explains her hesitation to engage in talks with Iraq's neighbors, Iran and Syria. Syria preparing to lure Israel into war Jerusalem Newswire - Dec 22 12:50 AM
Israeli media reported Friday that Syria has taken a leaf out of the Hizb allah war manual and is laying the groundwork to draw Israel into a war of attrition.Future House power says Dems back a dialogue with Iran, Syria JTA - Dec 21 3:55 PM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (JTA) Encouraging contact with Syria and Iran will be a central plank of the new Democratic Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives incoming majority leader said, outlining an agenda that differs radically from the Bush administration s on domestic and foreign policy.Sens. Kerry, Dodd meet with Syria's Assad to discuss Iraq Los Angeles Times - Dec 21 12:41 AM
DAMASCUS, SYRIA Sens. John F. Kerry and Christopher J. Dodd met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday and discussed the need for Damascus to cooperate with efforts to stabilize war-ravaged Iraq, state media reported. Report: Syria Preparing Border for Hizbullah-Type War Israel National News - Dec 21 7:33 PM
(IsraelNN.com) Syria is copying Hizbullah terrorist guerilla tactics along the border with Israel, deploying a commando military unit and deploying missile stations in anticipation of drawing Israel into a war, according to the Jerusalem, Post newspaper.Kerry says Syria wants to help US Boston Globe - Dec 21 1:19 AM
WASHINGTON -- Senator John F. Kerry yesterday said that President Bashar Assad of Syria expressed a willingness to work with the United States to bring stability to Iraq, and that Assad personally offered assistance that Kerry plans to convey to the Bush administration.Bush rejects talks with Syria, Iran Orange County Register - Dec 21 3:13 AM
Officials confirm support for opposition in Syria. WASHINGTON President Bush on Wednesday voiced his strongest opposition yet to talking directly to Iran and Syria as other administration officials acknowledged secret U.S. funding of opponents to Syria's regime.Bush firmly rejects Iran, Syria talks Miami Herald - Dec 21 12:30 AM
President Bush on Wednesday expressed his strongest opposition yet to talking directly to Iran and Syria as other administration officials acknowledged secret U.S. funding of opponents to Syria's regime.Bush stance on Iran, Syria hardens VIDEO Kansas City Star - Dec 21 12:14 AM
WASHINGTON | President Bush on Wednesday voiced his strongest opposition yet to talking directly to Iran and Syria, and other administration officials acknowledged secret U.S. funding of opponents to Syria s regime.Germany seeks to improve EU s ties with Syria European Voice - Dec 21 6:52 AM
The EU should offer Syria political and trade benefits in return for promises to play a more positive role in the Middle East, according to proposals being drawn up by the German presidency.Syria flirts with the West Asia Times - Dec 21 2:50 AM
TEHRAN - A series of visits by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to staunch US allies Yemen and the United Arab Emirates culminating in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week is prompting speculation that Syria has finally decided to leave the Iranian orbit.Syria must be involved in settling Mideast conflict Russian Information Agency Novosti - Dec 21 4:50 AM
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Marianna Belenkaya) - The U.S. State Department has reminded the world that Syria was forced into international isolation for its ties with Iran and for supporting terrorism. But the Moscow visit of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad belies this statement.Syria will not 'perform free services for a country that supports Israel' The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 22 12:51 PM
The Syrian government daily Al-Thawra hit out Friday at terms set out by the US government for heeding a bi-partisan panel's recommendation to open a dialogue on calming Iraq. "It's stupid to ask for help and at the same time attach all sorts of conditions," Al-Thawra said in an editorial.Majid Al Futtaim Group unveils Syria expansion plan AME Info - Dec 21 3:54 AM
Majid Al Futtaim Group, one the region's leading property developers, today announced plans to invest in excess of US$2 billion in the Sabboura district in Syria, an area located on the outskirts of Damascus.US Middle East Commander Gen. John Abizaid puts in request for another carrier in Gulf region as warning to Syria and ... DEBKAfile - Dec 21 5:09 AM
DEBKA file s military sources report that this request, revealed by a senior Pentagon official, is the first time in four years that an American general has asked for a special force as a deterrent for Syria and Iran.Israel persistently rejects Syria s outstretched hand - Al Jazeera - Dec 21 1:35 AM
Israel insists on rejecting Syria's outstretched hand, risking another Yom Kippur War, also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War; fought from October 6 to October 26, 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab nations led by Egypt and Syria..Russia comes to Syria's aid Times of Malta - Dec 21 1:17 AM
Last Tuesday, President Bashar al-Asad of Syria urged Russia to take the lead in the Middle East peace talks.Sen. John Kerry Meets with Syria's President NPR - Dec 20 12:42 PM
Sen. John Kerry met today with Syria's president Bashar al-Assad after a weekend visit in Iraq. Sen. Kerry talks with Alex Chadwick about his Middle East tour and the war in Iraq.Column: Dispatches From the Edge: Spy vs. Spy; War With Syria? Berkeley Daily Planet - Dec 22 8:47 AM
Spy vs. spy, the gang that couldn t poison straight, or welcome to the new Cold War?New tape includes graphic detail of September attack against U.S. Embassy in Syria KTRE-TV East Texas - Dec 20 11:43 PM
DAMASCUS, Syria New details about a September plot to blow up the U-S Embassy in Syria.U.S. believes arms smuggled to Lebanon via Syria Reuters via Yahoo! Singapore News - Dec 20 5:22 PM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States believes arms continue to be smuggled into Lebanon through Syria, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman said on Wednesday.Syria backs Arab initiative on Lebanon: Moussa Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 21 4:41 AM
Arab League chief Amr Moussa said on Thursday he had won Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's support for his efforts to solve the crisis in Lebanon between Syrian-backed Hezbollah and the Western-supported government.More Palestinians arrive at Iraq-Syria border after fleeing Baghdad AlertNet - Dec 22 3:21 AM
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees - New tape includes graphic detail of September attack against U.S. Embassy in Syria KRIS-TV Corpus Christi - Dec 20 8:29 PM
DAMASCUS, Syria New details about a September plot to blow up the U-S Embassy in Syria. A surveillance tape aired by A-B-C News shows three gunmen parking a car in front...Sen. John Kerry Meets with Syria's President NPR - Dec 20 11:49 AM
Day to Day , December 20, 2006 · Sen. John Kerry met today with Syria's president Bashar al-Assad after a weekend visit in Iraq. Sen. Kerry talks with Alex Chadwick about his Middle East tour and the war in Iraq.U.S. gov't says it does not support Senators' trip to Syria People's Daily - Dec 20 5:40 PM
The State Department said on Wednesday that it does not support the trip to Syria by U.S. Senators John Kerry and Christopher Dodd or having talks with the Syrian leadership.Pontiff Sees Vatican-Syria Relations Progressing Catholic Times - Dec 20 4:04 PM
Benedict XVI said that he is confident about consolidating good relations with Syria, when receiving the letters of credence of the country's new ambassador to the Holy See.Sidestepping Syria Haaretz Daily - Dec 22 1:01 AM
Camp David. Guests.Bush forcefully rejects direct talks with Syria, Iran Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune - Dec 20 7:41 AM
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Wednesday voiced his strongest opposition yet to talking directly to Iran and Syria as other administration officials acknowledged secret U.S. funding of opponents to Syria's regime. At a year-end White House news conference, the president insisted that he won't deal with Iran until it verifiably abandons its uranium enrichment program and won't talk with Syria ...Serving Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties Since 1858. Daily Mining Gazette - 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
Bush approach to committee plan correct There isn t much doubt that President Bush has little faith in one key recommendation of the Iraq Study Group, that Syria and Iran be engaged in the effort to stop sectarian violence in Iraq. Bush has good reason to be skeptical: Both Iran and Syria are longtime sponsors of international terrorism.Bush rebuffs calls for dialogue with Iran, Syria The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 20 1:07 PM
US President George W. Bush on Wednesday again rebuffed calls to engage in talks with Iran and Syria on Iraq, warning Tehran about its nuclear program and Damascus about destabilizing Lebanon. In a year-end news conference, Bush insisted the United States will not be "run out" of the Middle East by the Iraq.Mussa hails Syrian support for Lebanon mediation efforts AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 21 12:55 PM
Syria is supporting Arab League efforts to mediate a crisis between pro- and anti-Damascus forces in Lebanon, the bloc's chief Amr Mussa said after talks with President Bashar al-Assad.SYRIA MULLS S-300PMU2 SYSTEM Middle East Newsline - Dec 20 11:45 AM
MOSCOW [MENL] -- Syria has been discussing the procurement of the advanced S-300 air and missile defense system from Russia. Industry sources said Syrian President Bashar Assad was briefed on the S-300PMU2 during his visit to Moscow.Kerry, Dodd meet with Syria president AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 20 7:24 PM
Sens. John Kerry and Christopher Dodd met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday and discussed the need for Damascus to cooperate with efforts to maintain the unity and stability of war-ravaged Iraq, state media reported.US Backs Syrian Opposition Zaman Online - Dec 22 2:17 PM
The U.S. government confirmed on Thursday that it supports opposition groups in Syria.Lavrov calls for participation of Iran, Syria in solving Middle East crisis Payvand Iran News - Dec 20 8:41 AM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said that an international conference, to be attended by Iran and Syria, should be held to solve the Middle East crisis. -IRNABush says Syria, Iran still disruptive UPI - Dec 20 7:58 AM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Wednesday called on Iran and Syria to take steps to promote peace rather than instability.Tanganyika Announces 2006 Summary and 2007 Capital Budget Program [Press Release] CCNMatthews via Yahoo! Finance - 2 hours, 0 minute ago
CALGARY, ALBERTA-- - Tanganyika Oil Company Ltd. is pleased to report that the Board of Directors have approved a $185 million capital budget for 2007. An associated $45 million operating budget was approved which is equivalent to an average $6.50/barrel of oil for Syria and $2.20/bbl in Egypt.USA plays hide-and-seek with Syria, running about, promising nothing Pravda - Dec 20 6:21 AM
Russia continues to use USA's mishaps in the Middle East to activate its own role in this unstable region of the world. Moscow officials say that Mideastern problems cannot be solved without the participation of the countries which the US administration labeled as the axis of evil - Iran or Syria, for instance.Daniel Levy: The Syrian Litmus Test HuffingtonPost - Dec 21 4:56 PM
Syria tends not to be a particularly headline-grabbing kinda place. But Syria policy is rapidly becoming the yardstick for measuring the Bush administration's (in-)capacity to re-think the Middle East as well as strains in the US-Israel relationship. In the last fortnight, Syria has been everywhere. First, the Baker-Hamilton commission recommended that the US talk "unconditionally" with all ...Lavrov calls for participation of Iran, Syria in solving Middle East crisis Islamic Republic News Agency - Dec 20 5:52 AM
Russia - Lavrov - Iran Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said that an international conference, to be attended by Iran and Syria, should be held to solve the Middle East crisis.New contexts for Syria's peace call Gulf News - Dec 21 1:24 PM
Last week, the Dubai-based Al Arabiya satellite channel reported, according to Western diplomatic sources, that Syrian President Bashar Al Assad conveyed, through German channels, a message to Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.Judge Links Iran to ?96 Attack in Saudi Arabia New York Times - 25 minutes ago
The judge ordered Tehran to pay more than $253 million in damages to surviving family members of many of the American airmen killed in the bombing of Khobar Towers.The Bush administration is secretly funding political opposition to the Syrian government in a bid to topple President ... Al Jazeera - Dec 22 4:49 AM
The two-page document states that the U.S. is already supporting regular meetings of internal and diaspora Syrian activists" in Washington, Europe and even Syria to facilitate a more coherent strategy and plan of actions for all anti-Assad activists."Russian FM: Iran, Syria must be involved in Mideast talks Russian Information Agency Novosti - Dec 20 4:35 AM
MOSCOW, December 20 (RIA Novosti) - All Middle East nations, including Iran and Syria, must be involved in regional peace talks rather than isolated from the process, Russia's foreign minister said Wednesday.Policy Pirates Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 4:00 PM
Aiding The Enemy: Sen. John Kerry has given himself a new job: Syrian ambassador to the United States. His kind of self-serving freelance diplomacy should be condemned for what it is: disloyalty to America.Why Did Our Tax Dollars Send Kerry to Damascus? Blogcritics.org - Dec 22 6:06 AM
I noticed ( in the press photos ) that Sen. John Kerry (and Sen. Christopher Dodd D-Conn) used military aircraft to travel to Damascus, Syria, to meet with President Assad. Kerry arriving at Damascus Is this a routine thing? I mean, for a Senator to use military transport for a private meeting with the Head of State of a nation we have accused of accused of sponsoring terrorism, ...Analysis: Olmert hit for snubbing Syria UPI - Dec 21 5:14 AM
JERUASLEM, Israel, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is facing heavy criticism for cold-shouldering Syrian peace overtures. Over the past three years Syrian President Bashar Assad has been signaling a desire to resume the peace process.Bush: Iranians 'can do better' than Ahmadinejad AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 20 11:29 PM
US President George W. Bush rejected new talks on Iraq with Iran or Syria and, in a direct challenge to Tehran, said Iranians "can do better" than President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Syria and Iraq to Cooperate on Crime ABC News - Dec 19 6:52 AM
Syria and Iraq to Cooperate in Fighting Terrorism, CrimeEnd the policy of isolation Haaretz Daily - Dec 22 1:24 AM
With Palestinians on the brink of civil war, it has become impossible to separate this crisis from the overall situation in a region polarized by the United States into "moderate" Arab regimes versus the "axis of evil," which includes Iran and Syria.Moussa hails Syrian mediation efforts Gulf Times - Dec 22 2:28 AM
DAMASCUS: Syria is supporting Arab League efforts to mediate a crisis between pro- and anti-Damascus forces in Lebanon, the bloc s chief Amr Moussa said yesterday after talks with President Bashar al-Assad.A two-way street with Syria USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News - Dec 20 3:42 AM
In A.D. 1138, Damascus united with Jerusalem and the Christian crusaders against a common enemy, Zengi, the emir of Mosul in Iraq. Usamah Ibn-Munqidh, a Syrian warrior and ambassador, chronicled this period of good East-West relations in his memoirs, wryly observing the differences between Christians and Muslims. Nearly 900 years later, these differences remain and have grown deeper. Has history ...Putting Assad to the test Haaretz Daily - Dec 22 1:31 AM
All of Israel's prime ministers, starting with Yitzhak Shamir, engaged in contacts with Syria. At first Yitzhak Shamir did not believe the intelligence assessment, which said that a significant change was taking place in Syria leading up to the Madrid Conference.Judge: Iran owes $254M in terror attack AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 1:34 PM
The Iranian government financed a 1996 terrorist attack that killed 19 Americans in Saudi Arabia and must pay $254 million to the victims' families, a federal judge ruled Friday.Iran, Syria to produce parts for Iran's Samand IranMania.com - Dec 19 9:09 PM
LONDON, December 19 (IranMania) - A number of Iranian and Syrian auto part producers have reached preliminary agreements to jointly manufacture automotive parts for the Iranian passenger car, Samand in Syria, MNA reported.Chinese tourists allowed to visit Syria China Economic Net - Dec 19 9:55 PM
The Chinese government awarded Syria approved destination status for Chinese tour groups on Tuesday.U.S. reacts coolly to Syria's call for dialogue People's Daily - Dec 19 6:11 PM
The United States reacted coolly to the call by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to open a dialogue between the two countries, and instead urged Syria to play a "positive" role in Iraq and open diplomatic ties with Lebanon.Arash Markazi: Q&A with Slingbox's CEO Sports Illustrated - Dec 22 12:10 PM
LAS VEGAS -- It's the fourth quarter of a particularly dreadful Las Vegas Bowl game between BYU and Oregon and the Cougars are looking to add to their 24-0 lead. Me? Well, I'm just looking for some semblance of salvation from this torturous affair. While the dozen television screens sprawled across Sam Boyd Stadium press box amplify the action on the field, I find a diversion on my computer ...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.Al Futtaim Group unveils $2b Syrian project Khaleej Times - Dec 21 8:25 PM
DAMASCUS Majid Al Futtaim Group, has announced plans to invest more than $2 billion in the Sabboura district in Syria, an area located on the outskirts of Damascus. The fully integrated mixed-use development is expected to become a major tourist destination.Dutch kids stuck in embassy sent home AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 7:28 AM
Two children who lived in the Dutch embassy in Damascus for nearly six months during a custody battle between their parents were reunited with their mother on Friday.Arab Lebanon mediation to continue after holidays AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 6:43 AM
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa has said he was ending his current mission of mediation between the government and the opposition in Lebanon until after the holiday period.Kerry meets Syria's Assad, urges U.S. talks with Damascus Boston Globe - Dec 20 2:13 PM
Sen. John Kerry emerged from his meeting Wednesday with Syrian President Bashar Assad even more resolute in his belief the United States must begin talks with Damascus as it seeks a solution to the turmoil in Iraq.Iranians 'can do better' than Ahmadinejad: Bush Borneo Bulletin - Dec 21 10:19 PM
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W Bush on Wednesday rejected new talks on Iraq with Iran or Syria and, in a direct challenge to Tehran, said Iranians "can do better" than President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Syrian daily hits out at US terms for dialogue AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 5:57 AM
) - The Syrian government daily Ath-Thawra has hit out at terms set out by the US government for heeding a bi-partisan panel's recommendation to open a dialogue on calming neighbouring Iraq.Arab Lebanon mediation to continue after holidays AFP via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 8:04 AM
Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa is to continue his current mediation between the Lebanese government and opposition until November 23 before breaking for the holiday period.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.Mussa hails Syrian support for Lebanon mediation efforts AFP via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News - Dec 21 10:42 AM
Syria is supporting Arab League efforts to mediate a crisis between pro- and anti-Damascus forces in Lebanon, the bloc's chief Amr Mussa said Thursday after talks with President Bashar al-Assad.Kerry, Dodd Meet With Syria President AP via Yahoo! Asia News - Dec 20 4:44 PM
Sens.Policy Pirates Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! Finance - Dec 22 4:00 PM
Commentary from Investor's Business DailyU.S. may send second carrier to Mideast Gulf Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 20 3:49 PM
The U.S. command responsible for Middle East operations has asked the Pentagon to add a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf region as a warning to Syria and Iran and to help it carry out other operations, a senior defense official said on Wednesday.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 meets Syria's Assad, urges U.S. talks with Damascus Boston Herald - Dec 20 2:49 PM
WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kerry emerged from his meeting Wednesday with Syrian President Bashar Assad even more resolute in his belief the United States must begin talks with Damascus as it seeks a solution...Briefly: Iran owes $254 million for blast, a judge rules International Herald Tribune - Dec 22 8:51 AM
INTERNATIONALBush: Iranians 'can do better' than Ahmadinejad Japan Today - Dec 21 3:01 PM
WASHINGTON U.S. President George W Bush on Thursday rejected new talks on Iraq with Iran or Syria and, in a direct challenge to Tehran, said Iranians "can do better" than President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Assad 'fully supports' bid to end crisis in Beirut - Moussa The Daily Star Lebannon - Dec 21 1:27 PM
Syria fully supports Arab League efforts to end the political stalemate Lebanon has been witnessing for months, Arab League chief Amr Moussa said on Thursday. Moussa, who met with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, said he "received full support and backing.Dutch tug-of-love children home BBC News - Dec 22 9:20 AM
Two children who fled their Syrian father taking refuge in the Dutch embassy return to their mother in the Netherlands.Neo-con Hawks Wanted Israel to Attack Syria Common Dreams News Center - Dec 19 7:59 AM
Neo-con Hawks Wanted Israel to Attack SyriaMideast leaders seek their own solutions for region The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 12:00 AM
For many of the Middle East's leaders, the upshot of the swirling American debate over Iraq is that when, as seems likely, the US withdraws it will leave behind an ongoing war.Christmas cheer descends on tent city in Beirut Reuters via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 2:06 AM
Three weeks ago central Beirut's most dominant fixture was the blue-domed Mohammed al-Amin mosque. Now, a 15-meter cheerfully adorned Christmas tree has sprung up among the thousands of tents just a few steps away.Robert Parry: A Very Dangerous New Year Scoop.co.nz - Dec 21 1:17 PM
The first two or three months of 2007 represent a dangerous opening for an escalation of war in the Middle East, as George W. Bush will be tempted to "double-down" his gamble in Iraq by joining with Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair to strike at Syria and Iran, intelligence sources say.Syria, Iraq Sign Border Cooperation Agreement Israel National News - Dec 19 2:18 PM
(IsraelNN.com) The interior ministers of Syria and Iraq have signed an agreement to exchange information concerning passports and borders on matters relating to organized crime.Russia-Syria military cooperation was not discussed with Putin - Asad Interfax - Dec 19 6:07 AM
MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - Talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin did not deal with military-technical cooperation, Syria's President Bashar al-Asad said. "The main purpose of the visit was to discuss political issues," Asad said at a news conference after talks in the Kremlin on Tuesday.Syria calls on U.S. to be honest sponsor of Mideast peace process People's Daily - Dec 20 5:10 PM
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al- Muallem Wednesday called upon the United States to assume its role as an honest sponsor of the Mideast peace process, while meeting with the visiting U.S. senators, the official SANA news agency reported.World views The Columbus Dispatch - Dec 21 5:19 AM
President Bush made other comments related to world affairs at his news conference yesterday. SYRIA The president said he won t talk with Syria until it stops interfering in Lebanon and Iraq. He scolded the Syrian government for allowing money and weapons to flow through its borders to insurgents in Iraq and reiterated his call for Syria to end its efforts to destabilize Lebanon s fledgling ...Senators meet with president on Iraq Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Dec 21 4:41 AM
DAMASCUS, Syria -- Democratic Sens. John Kerry and Christopher Dodd met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday and discussed the need for Syria to cooperate with efforts to maintain the unity and stability of Iraq, state media reported.Mideast Leaders Going It Alone CBS News - Dec 22 10:06 AM
Leaders in the Middle East, concerned the U.S. will walk away from a mess in Iraq, are taking matters into their own hands and meeting to discuss possible solutions to the various ? but linked ? crisesThe UN is not just dysfunctional - it's a criminal enterprise The Christian Science Monitor via Yahoo! News - Dec 22 12:00 AM
It is reasonable that honest, compassionate people seek a means for governments to air their differences.Second carrier group sought for Gulf region Boston Globe - Dec 21 1:01 AM
WASHINGTON -- The US command responsible for Middle East operations has asked the Pentagon to add a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf region as a warning to Syria and Iran and to help it carry out other operations, a senior defense official said yesterday.Western politicians take the road to Damascus Financial Times - Dec 22 6:19 PM
The streets of Damascus are echoing these days with a sound largely unheard in the last couple of years: the sirens of convoys carrying important guests through the capital's congested streets.