Posted on 08/29/2004 5:43:53 AM PDT by beckaz
The United States has said Syria is playing a "dangerous game" in dictating on Lebanon a 3-year extension for Gen. Lahoud in office, warning of an eventual backlash against President Assad's regime. "I believe that the Syrians are playing a very dangerous game because they are disrespecting and humiliating the people of Lebanon," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.
"I think Syria's disdain of the Lebanese people will in the long-term hurt Syria's interests," Armitage said in an interview aired by the U.S.-run Arabic language SAWA radio station and Al Horra TV network shortly after the Lebanese cabinet drafted the Lahoud extension bill on Saturday, An Nahar reported Sunday.
(Excerpt) Read more at naharnet.com ...
Rule of Man (Assad Jr.) over Rule of Law.
Quick Background:(more details from link above)
1)Lebanese Pres. Lahoud is a staunch Syrian ally. His 6-year term expires in 2 months, a term not renewable under the Lebanese constition.
2) Lahoud is very unpopular and an extension (tampering with constitution before election) is opposed by most, inluding christian/moslem religious figures and right/left main politicians (some of them Syrian allies as well). Us and Europe opposed as well. Major papers editorialized against it.
3)The pres. is elected by parliament (128 votes), many are Syrian stooges or easily pressurable, not to say "threatenable".
4) No-one's opinion matters, Assad wants a new law and 3-years for his pal: another fine example of the rule of man and why the Middle East is beyond broken (trying to stay polite).
On November 3, we should bomb the bejayzus out of Syria.
bump
Iran thinks they can counter American influence in the area with a unified movement running from Lebanon through Syria and the Kurdish areas of Iraq. The American's are positioned in Iraq and Afghanistan with Israel on the Mediterranean. Could be an interesting duel.
If the Americans or their proxies destroy the pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon and turn Assad, the Mullahs are in big, big trouble.
Keep a sharp eye.
Iran's nuclear power investment along with 95 percent of their air force will be taken out in the first two or three days. Who gets to do it really won't matter, but I have a hunch...
Are you predicting that 5% of their air force will switch sides?
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