[This could be the start of something akin to the “Frontline States” which the Blacks in Africa formed when facing Rhodesia and South Africa. The Arabs may start uniting against the USA too.

According to my Middle Eastern contacts, both Iran and Syria harbour and send terrorists into Iraq from across their borders – and the USA has even been thinking of launching quick cross-border raids into Syria to try and get to their camps. If the USA starts taking such action, it will bring back warm memories of the days when Rhodesia and South Africa did the same thing, for the same reasons – except, that the whole world jumped on our cases whenever we did it. I find it almost ironic, that bit by bit, the USA is finding itself confronted with a situation that is so similar to what we, and Israel have gone through.

From what I can see… this is just the beginning… It appears to me, that a wider war, raging across the Middle East, with the USA being in the thick of it, is just a matter of time. This war on terror is so very far from being over – in fact – its only just begun and at this stage, its just warming up nicely. The REAL ACTION… is coming closer… Jan]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran and Syria, who both are facing pressure from the United States, said Wednesday they will form a “united front” to confront possible threats against them, state-run television reported.

“In view of the special conditions faced by Syria, Iran will transfer its experience, especially concerning sanctions, to Syria,” Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran’s first vice president, was quoted as saying after meeting Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otari.

“At this sensitive point, the two countries require a united front due to numerous challenges.”

Otari concurred, saying, “The challenges we face in Syria and Iran require us to be in one front to confront all the challenges imposed (on us) by others.”

The report did not specifically mention the challenges, but both countries are under U.S. economic sanctions and the targets of intense American pressure.

Iran, which President Bush had labeled an “axis of evil” with North Korea and prewar Iraq, was named an “outpost of tyranny” last month by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

The United States has accused Iran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons, while relations with Syria have deteriorated, especially since Monday’s assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Many Lebanese blamed Monday’s car bombing in Beirut on Syria, but the Syrian government has denied responsibility. Washington is recalling its ambassador from Syria in apparent response to Hariri’s killing.

Washington also accuses Syria of aiding anti-Israeli militants and supporting insurgents in Iraq.

Tehran and Damascus have been strategic allies for years. Syria was the only Arab country that continued its warm relations with Iran during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

Source: Drudge Report
URL: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050217/D889…/p>