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December 4, 2008 2:54:57 PM CST

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Syria Remains Key for Foreign Fighters in Iraq: US

Posted Mar 12, 08 3:08 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Syria is a key jumping-off point for foreign militants in Iraq, with 90% entering through the Syrian border, the Pentagon reported yesterday. “It is not clear that Syria has made a strategic decision to deal with foreign terrorists using Syria as a transit point,” the report notes. Meanwhile, Iran's support of Shiite insurgents also remains troublesome, the AP reports.

Corruption within Iraq’s government—combined with the actions of Damascus and Tehran—is hampering progress in rebuilding, with demand for basic services such as electricity far exceeding supply. Al-Qaeda also remains a threat to Sunni leaders in some areas. Still, the report shows a continued drop in violence, as Iraq's forces grow stronger after the US troop surge.

Source Associated Press

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Iraq Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, left, and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, speak at a joint press conference at Damascus airport, Wednesday Dec. 12, 2007, at the end of Zebari's three-day...   (Associated Press)
Syrian President Bashar Assad, right, shakes hands with Iranian Vice-President Pervez Davoudi Thursday, March 6, 2008 as he welcomes him to the Ash-Shaeb presidential palace in Damascus for talks on...   (Associated Press)
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Iraq • Iraq war • Iran • terrorist • Syria • Tehran • militant • Shiite militia • Damascus • Sunni leaders • quarterly reports


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