Posted on 09/12/2006 12:30:17 AM PDT by Eurotwit
Edited on 09/12/2006 12:46:33 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
10:25 Witnesses: Syrian forces surround U.S. embassy in Damascus, seal off area (Reuters)
10:22 Witnesses: Heavy gunfire heard in central Damascus (Reuters)
10:21 Black smoke said rising from area around U.S. embassy in Damascus (Reuters)
Update
Last update - 10:38 12/09/2006
Witnesses: Gunfire, explosions near U.S. embassy in Damascus
By Haaretz Service and news agencies
Syrian security forces surrounded the U.S. embassy in Damascus early on Tuesday and sealed off the area, witnesses said, adding that heavy gunfire and explosions had been heard in the area.
"It appears that the embassy is coming under attack," one resident in the area told Reuters.
There was no independent confirmation of the initial reports.
That's my take too. For a variety of reasons, it was (is) a smart move on Syria's part."
not sure if you agree with previous poster that it was odd syrian troops acted as they did, or just agreeing that they did. which of those is your take? that might answer your question.
Jennifer Griffin reporting now.
It was my take Syria is helping for a variety of reasons.
"Sure, but playing the ideolgy pays off better than just about anything. The downside is all of the other guys who wanna bump you off to take your place."
fair point; the only counter i can offer is that us multinationals can bring mega-bucks to the table, more than these guys can rob otherwise in years, and just from graft alone (understood as part of any deal) they can make out like bandits. eventual private american investment in cuban sugar and tobacco state companies could be huge, and smart despots would be rolling the 10 digits of dollars in switzerland.
all depends on the folks who take over, i have not a clue what his general staff is like.
Yep.
--
Thanks to ScaniaBoy for this update:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1699844/posts?page=13#13
To: Cindy
Most recent:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1157913612188&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
ep. 12, 2006 10:39 | Updated Sep. 12, 2006 11:26
Report: Terror attack foiled at US embassy in Damascus
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Several terrorists apparently tried exploding a vehicle outside the US embassy in Damascus on Tuesday morning, and then exchanged gunfire with US Marines in the area.
The terrorists, according to some reports, drove up to the embassy gate, exited the vehicle and opened fire on embassy guards. The guards then returned fire, after which the vehicle exploded.
Black smoke was seen rising from the building, while explosions and gunfire were heard in the area. Ambulances and fire engines were rushing to the scene.
The fate of the attackers was still unclear, but according to witnesses it appeared they were killed. According to BBC, at least four people were killed in the battle, which included grenades and small arms fire.
Large numbers of Syrian security forces sealed off the compound from pedestrians.
The US ambassador to Syria was recalled some time ago by the Bush administration, while lower-level embassy staff still work in the building.
US President George W. Bush has consistently blamed Syria for facilitating terror attacks on US troops in Iraq from its territory. Along with Iran, Iraq and North Korea - Syria comprises what Bush has coined the "Axis of Evil."
13 posted on 09/12/2006 1:39:28 AM PDT by ScaniaBoy (Part of the Right Wing Research & Attack Machine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
The host country is responsible for providing security to our embassies. We have our own security guards, local and a small Marine detachment, but ultimately we depend upon the host country to provide protection. We do the same here for foreign missions.
ok, my error, contextual lack of clarity.
Fox was showing crowds waving Assad's picture, etc., but didn't explain whether that's going on now or it's just a bit of local color.
Then we are not in disagreement? :)
M203, AT4 or? SAW
all 3 ?
I thought the war on terror was an exagerration, John Kerry.
Great. Reinforcements.
i will add here that given our trade relations with, say vietnam or china, it is clear to me that the ongoing cuban embargo is all about castro. the US (rightly, from some perspectives) will not back down on a failed embargo on a banana republic that 1) allowed soviet troops, with local control of tac nukes to deploy against anticipated US action and 2) has stood up to us 90 miles off our coast since before most americans were born.
once he and his brother are gone, pretty sure the doors begin to open. it is quite crazy to not trade with cuba while we export our manufacturing base to china and buy a ton of oil from venezuela, who in turn gives cuba tens of millions of dollars of free oil.
we agree ! :)
Hi Mary. I watched Jennifer too. Griffin / Griffith.
YAY! and thanks!
CNN International is showing footage with a van being searched. They are showing pipe bombs, a gas cannister bomb, and some rifle cases on the sidewalk they found inside. Syrian military are walking around keeping order, and a small white burned out sedan was being made ready for towing.
Most of our Western "friends" vacation there already. Castro became one of the wealthiest men in the world despite the American embargo. As far as tobacco & sugar, their past nationalizion of everything makes that a dangerous venture until a "rule of law" is established.
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.