Syrians Angered by U.S. 'Lies' on Iraq Supplies
Sat March 29, 2003 07:39 AM ET
By Inal Ersan
DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Syrian citizens expressed anger on Saturday over U.S. "lies" that Syria was sending military supplies to Iraq but did not think Washington was considering military action against their country.
"I know they (the U.S. administration) are crazy people, but I don't think they will do it (attack Syria). Our leadership is clever and will not let this happen," said Salma, a housewife.
"If they do, I will fight them with my nails," she said.
Ahmad Samir al-Taqi, a Syrian political analyst, said: "The Americans are in a state of panic and confusion...but it would be a grave mistake to spread the war across the region."
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said on Friday that shipments of equipment, such as night-vision goggles, had been crossing into Iraq from Syria and that Damascus would be held accountable for such "hostile acts."
Syria dismissed the accusation as an attempt by Washington to cover up for "ugly war crimes" against Iraqi civilians.
Rumsfeld dodged a question on whether the United States was threatening military action against Syria. He only said that the shipments "vastly complicates" the military operation in Iraq.
Syria, on a U.S. list of states sponsoring terrorism for supporting Lebanon's Hizbollah guerrilla group and Palestinian groups fighting Israel, has led Arab opposition to the Iraq war.
It has faced U.S. pressure to back down in its opposition to the war on its neighbor, economic partner and former foe.
Syria, currently the only Arab member of the U.N. Security Council, joined the U.S.-led forces in the 1991 Gulf conflict, but has since improved ties with Iraq despite years of bitter rivalry between the ruling Baathists in Damascus and Baghdad.
"Syria is the only country in the Arab world whose position is a thorn in their side. They want us to be like the others; lambs...that is why they are throwing accusations," said Kamal Jaber, a civil servant.
Many said the United States was trying to divert attention for the hardship its forces were facing in Iraq, which has shown a level of resistance that U.S. and British officials have said was not expected.
"Can you tell this Rumsfeld one thing for me? 'I know it's hard for you to admit that the Iraqis are defeating you, but try to keep your mouth shut and cry at home instead of trying to blame it on Syria'," said Mohammad Badran, a university student.
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