Search

Discusses how the resistance forces in Iraq include a variety of militant groups and ethnicities including insurgents from Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Allegiance of the insurgents loyal to terrorist Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi; Increase in the number of kidnappings of U.S., French, and Italian journalists, construction workers, and aid workers; Claims from U.S. military officials that a sufficient portion of Iraq will be pacified in order to hold elections in January 2005; Characterization of the insurgency as a loosely organized network including members of the Baath ruling party, homegrown jihadis, and foreign terrorists; Development of splits among rebel groups due to the al-Zarqawi's willingness to sanction terrorist attacks against all civilians.

Focuses on the attention given to Syria by the United States. Allegations made by the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush against Syria including the harboring of Iraqi leaders and sponsorship of terrorism; How the U.S. Congress introduced a bill that would cut ties to Syria; Goals of the U.S. rhetoric towards Syria; Impact of U.S. allegations throughout the Middle East with respect to anti-Americanism. INSET: THE CASE AGAINST SYRIA.

Reports on the attitude of the U.S. President George W. Bush administration regarding Syria, a country long designated a state sponsor of terrorism. Initiation of talks by the U.S. to join Syria in controlling the frontier; Meeting between U.S. officials and Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus; Past criticism of Syria by the U.S.

Reports that U.S. intelligence has been picking up indications that Muslim extremists from Islamic Jihad, Hizballah and other terrorist organizations are entering Iran from Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Concern that once Saddam Hussein is ousted, radicals who may owe their allegiance to neighboring regimes may have their own agenda; Fear that the radicals could incite more suicide bombings aimed at U.S. troops; Speculation that the infiltration could aid U.S. efforts to track down terrorists.