Middle East countries, fearing their own political futures, are taking steps to ensure the United States does not perceive them as assisting Iraq. Syrian Arab Airlines, the country’s national carrier, will turn away Iraqi passengers who do not carry valid visas on flights to Damascus, reported Egyptian airport authorities on Friday. Egyptair is also not allowing Iraqis on flights before receiving a green light from the country of their destination. Lebanese authorities have asked Cairo airport officials to apply such measures on Iraqi passengers bound for Beirut, said Egyptian authorities. The decisions came after the United States turned up the heat on Syria, accusing it of providing a safe have for members of the deposed Iraqi regime. Damascus has repeatedly denied the charges.
| "It ain't us! They going, uh... someplace else!" |
A source close to Beirut’s foreign ministry said that Washington has asked Lebanon to deny asylum to fleeing Iraqi leaders, warning a refusal would be tantamount to a hostile action.
| "If y're gonna be occupied, it doesn't have to be by Syrian..." |
US ambassador Vincent Battle put the request to Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri on Tuesday, a few hours before Hariri said his government was resigning, and advised the foreign ministry a short time later, said the source, who requested anonymity. On Thursday, Hariri formed a new government, the most pro-Syrian in more than a decade, amid US threats against Beirut's political master, Damascus.
| "Yeah. Let's get some solidarity goin' here!" |
A diplomatic source said aircraft from the US 6th Fleet would survey Lebanon's and Syria's Mediterranean coasts to check for suspect movements.
| Would that be, maybe, Marine aircrat? Hmmmm? |
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