1 Syrian Involvement in Iraq. Not quiet sure why you are getting so excited about Syria or for that matter Iran. The bottom line is the US and UK are over committed with the operation in Iraq. Neither the US or UK have the military/financial capability to can pose a credible threat to either country, whilst still stuck in Iraq. The Syrians and Iranians know this so a bit of meddling and turning a blind eye to what people are doing whilst transiting through to Iraq is the equivalent of the US policy of pre-emptive strike, but to protect their countries/political interests. As another ‘nasty’ regime, which has never been good friends with Iraq, Syria is wise get the Mil Intel people talking to the insurgents. Because: a. It is always wise to know who you are helping and understand their networks. Perhaps if the CIA had not sub-contracted that role to the Pakistani ISID, the US might have known what the Mujaheeden's ideology and key players whilst OBL was developing Al Quaida. b. It is also wise to understand your enemy, lets face it Syria is quasi-Communist State. Their government does not like Islamic Terrorists much more that the US does, however, being weak it stays allied to these groups whilst they serve a purpose and then will liquidate them (if they can) once they are no longer useful. A classic Communist Tactic! They did a good job the last time Islamic extremists tried to take over. c. If and when Iraq is back on its feet, Iraq and Syria are likely to be Mortal enemies. Therefore, having good contact with organisation within Iraq is wise. Meanwhile, Iran is building nukes and the Syrians are busy trying to learn from Iraq, how to fight the US if they invade and more importantly avoiding getting invaded in the first place. The easiest way is to facilitate insurgency in Iraq. Democracy……! As for democracy.....the last country that tried this was Algeria, the FIS would have won but the Army took over; net result another military dictatorship and a ten year struggle to defeat Islamic fighters. In those ten years Algerians turned up in Afghanistan, France, Bosnia, Chechnya and now Iraq. The recruiting videos from Algeria are impressive they were found in a Mosque in the UK and aired on TV impressive. State Sponsorship of Terrorism. As for Assad and Syria being state sponsors of terrorism, well yes they are. One should be very careful not to bracket all Islamic terrorists in one bundle. The 'old fashioned' Palestinian terrorist was motivated by Political (Left Wing) Dogma and a nationalist desire to 'defend' their country. Hezbollah and other Shia Terrorist groups are either fighting to extend the Iranian Theological Philosophy or in Pakistan to fight against radical Sunni Muslims. Then their are the broad brush Al Quaida and affiliated groups who are determined to extend the Wahabi movement from beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, and more immediately remove the US (and other infidels) Saudi Arabia.

2 Not bad Jailor, not bad. However, are we/you complicating the matter. While I agree against invading I do not agree we should let it pass. We do not have to invade using large ammounts of troops to get our point across to Syria. We have the means and capabilites to punish after due warning. Our military machine is not great at occupation (care too much) but there is none better at winning battles. A good butt whipping without invasion may prove worthwhile. A message to those who don't believe we mean what we say.

3 Both Syria and Iran have been assisting the terrorists from the very beginning; both borders are wired and manned by US Forces - most of the time they're bored to death - now winter is upon them, so the chore is going to get harder. Cindy

4 I don't know - as I said before; Bin Laden's remarks towards Saudi Arabia...... Cindy

5 Saudi Arabia will be the place of the next revolution. The Royal family will fall. Just a matter of time. We should quit worrying about the house of Saud and start now to win the hearts and minds of the people. Catering to the Royal family will not do it. Revolution will start and the Islamofacists know it. They will gain the support of the people by helping the revolution while the west sits on its thumbs until too late. Then by force of arms and terror they will take over the country. It has started now. Bin Lauden has noticed the sitution and will take advantage of it. Remember Iran? We learned nothing in our support for the shah. The majority of the 9/11 attackers were Saudis. One of the reasons they hate us is our support for the Royal family. Approximately 6000 members of the Royal family have 98% of the wealth of the country. This cannot remain. It's a carrot dangling in front of the Islamic Fundalmentalists. Saudi Arabia as is,is history. Just a matter of time. Are we smart enough to see the situation and present a counter in time? Doubt it.