U.S. Envoy: Syria a Terrorist Hub for Iraq("All options are on the table")

[sabra]

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050912/API/509120776

U.S. Envoy: Syria a Terrorist Hub for Iraq

The Bush administration's top diplomat in Iraq said Syria has become a hub for terrorists who want to stop democratic progress in Iraq and that U.S. "patience is running out," but he refused to specify what consequences Damascus might face.

Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad's tough talk on Syria is part of a U.S. pressure campaign in many foreign capitals and at the United Nations gathering this week in New York.

"Our patience is running out, the patience of Iraqis are running out. The time for decision ... has arrived for Damascus," Khalilzad said.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department, Khalilzad refused to rule out either a military strike on Syria or an attempt to further punish Syria through the United Nations Security Council.

"All options are on the table," Khalilzad said.

[delete_bush]

1. A little resume check seems to be in order...

Khalilzad is a member of the Project for the New American Century (PNAC) and was one of the signers of the January 26, 1998, PNAC Letter sent to President William Jefferson Clinton.

Khalilzad was an advisor for the Unocal Corporation. In the mid-1990s, while working for the Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Khalilzad conducted risk analyses for Unocal for a proposed 1,400 km (890 mile), $2-billion, 622 m³/s (22,000 ft³/s) natural gas pipeline project which would have extended from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan. Between 1993 and 1999, Dr. Khalilzad was Director of the Strategy, Doctrine and Force Structure program for RAND's Project Air Force. While with RAND, he founded the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. From 1979 to 1989, Dr. Khalilzad was an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University.

Khalilzad received his doctorate at the University of Chicago, where he studied closely with strategic thinker Albert Wohlstetter. Regarding Wohlstetter, from 1964 to 1980, he taught in the political science department of the University of Chicago where he met later protégé Paul Wolfowitz. He is often credited with influencing a number of prominent members of the neoconservative movement, including Richard Perle and Zalmay Khalilzad.

I'm sure Zalmie's doing a heck of a job. These people are insane.

[sabra]

2. yep, no surprise there...

[drduffy]

38. Which search did you do?

Is there a unique place where you can go to get bios on all of these creeps or did you just do a wikipedia or google? In any case, that's a very good bio..... thanks

[delete_bush]

43. a google for Khalilzad got me to wikipedia,

then after getting info on him I followed their link to Wohlstetter.

A site with the enhanced/fake resumes of all the wrong-experienced patronage whores would be a great resource. Maybe DU can start one?

[NCPatriot]

57. Dont know if this place qualifies

But it has a TON of resumes'... most have a slight spin on them, good or bad!

http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/

[bemildred]

3. Syria dissatisfied with Iraqi defense minister statements

DAMASCUS, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- Syrian government on Monday expressed dissatisfaction with the statements of the Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun Al-Dulaymi, who criticized Syria for not controlling borders to prevent infiltration of gunmen into Iraq.

A Syrian official source said that Syria condemns the statements of Al-Dulaymi, noting that Syria is exerting all efforts to control borders on the Syrian side, while security on the other side of the borders is the responsibility of the US and Iraqi authorities.

The source noted that such statements are part of the political and media pressures on Syria, which aim at covering the failure to establish safety and security in Iraq.

In his statements, Al-Dulaymi said that the Iraqi-Syrian borders became an entrance of evil, demanding the Syrian government to "stop sending destruction" to Iraq through its borders.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=768788

[bemildred]

4. Jumblatt announces solidarity with Syria

Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt stressed the importance of Arab unity and identity and announced his solidarity with Syria and its "Arabism" regardless of who rules it. Speaking Saturday to a delegation of the Lebanese community in Venezuela that visited him at his Mukhtara mansion, Jumblatt urged all Lebanese communities abroad not to forget Arab causes. "We should not isolate ourselves as Lebanese, Syrians or Palestinians," he said, "We are Arabs and we have the same cause." Jumblatt denounced U.S. imperialism, which is invading the Middle East and helping Zionism, but added the Arabs will eventually win.

http://www.terra.net.lb/wp/Articles/DesktopArticle.aspx?ArticleID=244381&ChannelId=4

[JNelson6563]

5. We can only hope they try this

I think the sheeple will stop with the slow waking from a deep slumber and snap out of it in a hurry if these mooks try to take us into yet another war. We so over-extended as it is, we can't even deal with what's going on here at home! Everyone can see that, few are dishonest/delusional enough to try denying it.

Julie

[tom_paine]

34. What can the Imperial Subjects of Amerika do, anyway?

We can "vote" them out...yeah, right.

Write a letter to CNN?

[DavidDvorkin]

6. Running it up the flagpole

to see if it produces a "rally around the president" effect. If the effect doesn't appear, it will be pulled back down again.

Or that's my guess, anyway.

[ECH1969]

7. US warns Syria that 'our patience is running out'

The US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, fired a strong warning to Syria on Monday, as Washington accused the Damascus government of giving help to radical groups in Iraq.

'Our patience is running out with Syria,' Khalilzad told a press conference. When asked how the US could respond, he said 'all options are on the table', including military. 'I would not like to elaborate more, they should understand what I mean,' he added.

'Syria has to decide what price it's willing to pay in making Iraq success difficult. And time is running out for Damascus to decide on this issue,' the ambassador warned.

'It simply must close the training camps,' he said. 'It should not allow youngsters misguided by Al-Qaeda, from Saudi Arabia, from Yemen, from North Africa, to fly into Damascus international airport.'

http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2005/09/12/afx2219227.html

[VegasWolf]

8. Syria has oil!? Damn, didn't know that. nt

[phantom power]

9. Time to wag another dog...

[aquart]

10. Did Syria split its sides laughing?

[Deja Q]

11. And pre-emptive nukes ar ebecoming an option too.

ENJOY life while you can.

Worrying and anxiety only worsen it. We all have our time and after 33 years of worry, anxiety, and pain I'm turning the other cheeck and am going to ENJOY IT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Me being worried only allowed the bullies to keep hitting me anyway, but I digress.

We can do nothing about what is going on. So stop worrying and start enjoying, forgive me for being the black sheep of the DU family.

[Tyler Durden]

35. No Black Sheep to ME , Toad.

The family and I are headed for CANADA, and right soon. Maybe the prevailing winds from the North will help; and being in a community of less than 500 permanent residents makes the upcoming Bird Flu look a little less scary too.

[ninkasi]

58. What so say makes sense

That's pretty much what my family has been doing. We still stay informed, we still write letters, and make calls, and vote, of course, but we refuse to become so numb with worry that we stop enjoying life.

Besides...who's to say that by bringing an attitude of closeness, cherishing friends and family, loving, and laughing, might not have a ripple effect? It might spread, and since the conservatives thrive in an atmosphere of fear and secrecy, we might take away some of the rightwing power by refusing to be ruled by it.

As far as being the black sheep of the DU family, you're far from that. I come from a whole family of proud black sheep. Actually, the idea of any action against Syria, after the WTC attacks and the ensuing debacle of the "War on Terror", the major screw up in Iraq, and Katrina, is almost comical. Kind of like the Black Knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail...armless, legless, but still threatening.

[0007]

12. Yawn.......0' hum

[MisterP]

13. kneel before Zod!

[Lindacooks]

14. Yeah, it sure is: our patience is running out with the BFEE

finally.

[confludemocrat]

15. Threat from a bankrupt, crippled nation which is desperate in its failures

As if we couldn't have expected and correctly planned and implemented measures to account for their likely actions in supporting anti-U.S. fighters.

[FlemingsGhost]

16. Our money and troops are running out, too.

Talk is cheap.

[bribri16]

17. Syria might begin by asking that the same standards apply to Pakistan. n/t

[AndyTiedye]

18. Smaller Target than Iran

[Nihil]

54. That's a shame ...

They've been concentrating on maximising the yield but still haven't
done anything about the accuracy and a smaller target really makes
life difficult at times.

No, I suspect they'll just stick to the easy way out and bomb Syria.
Let's face it, it's a hot far-away country that most Americans couldn't
find on the map and it's populated with brown non-Christian people ...
no-one will notice the difference ...

[Nikki Stone 1]

56. There are Christians in Syria

Not that that will matter to anyone. Just thought I'd say it.

[Nihil]

64. There were Christians in Iraq

You're quite right, it will not matter to Bush & co.

[Lori Price CLG]

19. US warns Syria that 'our patience is running out'

US warns Syria that 'our patience is running out'

The US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, fired a strong warning to Syria on Monday, as Washington accused the Damascus government of giving help to radical groups in Iraq.

'Our patience is running out with Syria,' Khalilzad told a press conference. When asked how the US could respond, he said 'all options are on the table', including military.

'I would not like to elaborate more, they should understand what I mean,' he added.

<snip>

Lori Price
http://www.legitgov.org/index.html#breaking_news

[SodoffBush]

20. nifty way to divert attention away from the Katrina debacle--bomb Syria

I wouldn't put it past the Chimpster.

[shadowknows69]

23. bank on it

full scale invasion within 2 months I wager.

[JuniperLea]

24. yessir

when times get tough, time for a new boogieman.

[drduffy]

39. very possible...

popularity slipping at home, more dissent

army bogged down

Will they (Cheney) do the bizzare and suicidal act. The preemptive nuke comments above very germane. Whatever they do to try to maintain power and further the PNAC goals will lead to increased protest, probably martial law and FEMA control, especially in context of peak oil social disturbances and conflict with China/Russia. I do not see good times coming. The next few years will be a bitch. I worry for my son and all the young people. We could have done so much better but greed and power win out. Edward Wood: ""Earthlings are so stupid, you stupid earthing!"-- "Shut up or I'll plug you!" "Stupid Earthling, stupid, stupid-stupid earthling!"-- "Okay, you're asking for it."
"Stupid, stupid earthling!"

[JuniperLea]

21. isn't that just kick you in the crotch great

more saber rattling, more detraction, more warmongering...

[wtmusic]

22. Would not Junior have to get Congressional approval

re: the war powers act? :shrug:

[jayfish]

27. Congress Signed Away Their Oversight Responsibilities.

Immediately after 9/11 and preceding the Iraq invasion. Something which is illegal IMO.

Jay

[wtmusic]

50. only for Iraq nt

[enigma000]

29. Invasion, yes.

A bombing campaign a-la Kosovo, Bosnia or Libya? No. That can be done, for a short while, on Presidential authority.

I figure "they" will target a series of air-strikes aimed at command and control buildings in Damascus and training/staging bases near the Iraq/Syrian border.

As for "they": a joint Franco-American task force. The French are still pissed over the assassination of the former Lebanese PM.

[BlueJac]

25. Patience running out.....

They must be referring to the American people when asked about BushCo.


:kick:

[meegbear]

26. Oh oh ... better vote for * on the online polls

he's getting desperate.

[SodoffBush]

28. His handlers have been able to cocoon Bush from protesters

and negative press for quite awhile, but no longer. We could be about to see what happens when Chimpy is inundated with bad publicity, day in and out.

[madrchsod]

30. bomb syria

then the muslim brotherhood takes over. really smart move..google the muslim brotherhood...nice guys

[northzax]

31. you guys better stop, or else!

[Bonhomme Richard]

32. Did they happen to mention that our money is running out too?

Or our military equipment?
Or our soldiers?
Or nations friendly toward us?

[leveymg]

33. It would be better if we just invaded Grenada again.

Isn't this straight out of the Beirut Disaster Recovery book?

Looks like they have some key Syrian Generals in their pocket, and are ready to roll the old coup dice.

But, what if Syria doesn't just roll over and give up? Are we prepared to invade there, too? What if the rest of the Arab and Islamic world get into the act?

No, this is just too insane for words.

[SOS]

65. When will Kahlilzad's patience with Saudi Arabia run out?

The majority of foreign suicide bombers in Iraq are from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government is happy to be rid of them and does nothing to stop them at the border.

[Gloria]

36. We're in there stirring up the Kurds (also in Iran)...maybe they'll

drop arms off for them (they can do this better than dropping food in NOLA).

By the way, we are OUT OF MONEY for the reconstruction of Iraq's water and electrical plants....

The mess gets mesier....

I remember posting an article months ago from the Daily Star about how the Syrian border guards were being "accidentally" wounded from "stray" fire coming in from Iraq. How it was impossible for them to do their jobs as they were constantly in danger of being killed....Early on, Syria actually helped the US in its endeavor (info, I guess)....which goes to prove, never trust Bushco, they will always screw you....

[mmonk]

37. same old same old

[wordout]

40. Hey DUer's! Look over here at Iran -!

While we :nuke: Damascus!

[slay]

41. Iran, Syria, North Korea

Wonder which ones Bush and his PNAC buddies will decide to go for next? I'm guessing they'll play rock - paper - scissors for it. :shrug:

[wordout]

46. "someone" at the State Dept told Wes Clark Syria is next.

The plan is for 6 more Muslim nations to be attacked before 2008.

[WhiteTara]

42. The scary part is that * has revised

the nuclear option plan. They have decided to NUCLEAR BOMB pre-emptively!
:scared:

[0rganism]

44. Then it's about time to get bushco away from the table

"Put down the microphone and step away from the table."

Probably too late, though. Whichever invasion fantasies the BFEE decides to indulge are a done deal by now.

[FlemingsGhost]

45. Is one option not sticking our noses where it doesn't belong?

We might want to try that one, this time.

[Nothing Without Hope]

47. Match this with the new PRE-EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKE policy of the US,

nearing approval:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1770759
Thread title: Pentagon Revises Nuclear Strike Plan

If you have not read this thread, I think you should. This is vitally important and has largely been lost in all the storm and aftermath news. If this policy had been in place for the Iraq invasion, we'd be in nuclear World War III now, I feel sure.

This is being set up for the planned invason of Iran. From this post, looks like they might do Syria too.

We must must must expose and fight this. What else is MORE important?

[sunnystarr]

48. Maybe I'm missing something ...

doesn't the Constitution say that only Congress can declare (or approve) war? It takes Congress to fund any operation and no operation can happen without that funding.

After Congress whimped out and passed the buck with Iraq, I can't imagine that they'd go for a repeat performance. If they did that it would be the responsibility of every American to vote them the hell out and send them home - or better yet to Iraq.

[bobbieinok]

51. unlike vote on Iraq, republicans now control both houses

[Tight_rope]

63. Oh I believe Congress will whimp out and pass the buck again! n/t

[IndianaGreen]

49. Zalmay Khalilzad is an old PNAC hand, friend of Wolfowitz

Why does the press gives any credence to this puke? He is a liar just like the war criminal Bush. May they both be tried for war crimes!

[PaulaFarrell]

52. so we're back to Syria I guess

I guess Iran looked a little too difficult at the moment

[ladylibertee]

53. DUMBO will never run out of enemies

[HR_Pufnstuf]

55. Call in Divertor

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/animatedcartoons/v/divertor.htm

[buzzsaw_23]

59. US Says 'All Options On the Table' to Punish Syrian Meddling in Iraq

U.S. says 'all options on table' to punish Syrian meddling in Iraq


Compiled by Daily Star staff
Tuesday, September 13, 2005

The top U.S. diplomat in Iraq said Syria has become a hub for terrorists and that U.S. "patience is running out," but he refused to specify what consequences Damascus might face.

The U.S. warning comes as thousands of U.S. and Iraqi forces continued a major assault in the town of TalAfar near the Syrian border, that has left up to 200 insurgents dead.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department, U.S. ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said: "Our patience is running out, the patience of Iraqis are running out. The time for decision ... has arrived for Damascus."

Khalilzad refused to rule out either a military strike on Syria or an attempt to further punish Syria through the United Nations Security Council. "All options are on the table," he warned. "I would not like to elaborate more, they should understand what I mean," he added.


http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=18451

[Inland]

60. All options that are left to bankrupt, isolated, exhausted US, that is. nt

[The Stranger]

61. One Nation, Under PNAC, With Illegal War and Injustice for All.

[slay]

66. Hail Bushitler!

But just think of all the money we could loot from those Arabs. Sickening. :puke:

[Tight_rope]

62. Oh fuck...here we go...If not Iran then must Syria....who next

Libya, Pakistan, Turkestan, Nomansland.:think:

[newspeak]

67. Okay greedy chickenhawks

I don't think Iran is going to watch Syria attacked. Doesn't Iran and Syria have some kind of agreement? And, how about Russia? Also, the Saudi Royal Family is hanging on because support from our country. I believe that there are probably supporters for other Arab countries. I'm not waiting around for a bunch of religious zealots and their perceptions of rapture. As I told my very religious Aunt who is against Bush by the way, if she believes in end times this is man created bullshit not God's.

[yurbud]

68. we should be burning up pols phones, faxs and emails

telling them to stop Iran & Syria wars before they start.

[newspeak]

69. yes!

We can focus on more than one thing at a time...It's time to write our congress critters and let them know, no more pre-emptions. Power needs to be curbed, now!