Posted on 06/09/2005 7:23:17 PM PDT by saquin
WASHINGTON, June 9 - The United States has received "credible information" that Syrian operatives in Lebanon plan to try to assassinate senior Lebanese political leaders and that Syrian military intelligence forces are returning to Lebanon to create "an environment of intimidation," a senior administration official said Thursday.
The official said that the information had come from "a variety of Lebanese sources" and that "we assess it as credible." The information, he said, was gathered after the recent assassinations of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February, and of Samir Kassir, a well-known journalist, a week ago.
Both were outspoken critics of Syrian domination of Lebanese politics, and Mr. Kassir had blamed Syria for the assassination of Mr. Hariri.
"This is a moment when many politicians are facing overt Syrian intimidation in the middle of the election period," said the official, referring to parliamentary elections held last month and again this month. "When Lebanese sources tell us that they are hearing that the Kassir killing will be followed by others, we take it seriously."
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Sounds to me that we may be conducting shakedowns on our Abrams soon, getting them in shape, topping off the gas tanks, restoring the basic loads, etc. etc..
They want us to fight on two fronts. I say we fight one front (Iran) and defend against Syria.
Why fight Iran and defend against Syria? Just curious...
One more straw to the pile...
Smash Syria and Iran will fall all on its own.
Besides, I want some payback from Boy Assad...
L
ping
Why do the Syrians want to kill Rosie O'Donnell and Melissa Etheridge? Ooops, my bad. It says "Lebanese."
I feel that Iran is more of a military and economic threat then Syria.
IMO, we would need substantial forces to take on Iran, whereas we could probably kick Syria's butt with our air/naval power.
BTW, Syria is not in the axis of evil, whereas Iran definitely is.
Evil never gives up quietly. We had to have known Syria would not just quietly leave Lebanon, nor leave Lebanon to its own future. It's obvious they are trying to foment civil unrest there to provide a pre-text for their return. Evil is never a push-over. Evil cannot be defeated by diplomacy and negotiation. Evil is only defeated with an iron fist. Syria needs to feel some real pain, both over its continuing rape of Lebanon, and for its support for terrorists in Iraq. Not a single drop of American blood being shed is worth the price of sparing Syria the fate they have so richly earned: comprehensive, brutal airstrikes.
Even though we want Syria out of Lebanon, do the think the situation can actually improve with Hezbolla taking over?
"...can't we all...can't we all just get along?"
- The Rev. Rodney King
BTTT
Ferret Face's days are numbered. One way or another.
Hezbollah isn't taking over. They won a large share of seats in the Parliament, but as usual the US media manipulated perceptions by making it appear that because Hezbollah did well in southern Lebanon that somehow translates into them taking over the country. Yes they'll have a say in the new govt. But this isn't a wholesale takeover by any means.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.