[aristeides]

What makes sense in this is that the Ba'ath Party is the major (only) party in BOTH Iraq and Syria. They're in bed with one another and are butt buddies.

Until recently, the two ruling Ba'ath Parties were very much opposed to each other.

[peeve23]

Two egomanical dictators had disagreements....I'd not say the parties were in disagreement. Syria has been a major channel of clandestine movement of arms to Iraq. ("Feuding cousins story" provided good cover.)