US 'patience is running out' with Syria
The top US diplomat in Iraq said Syria has become a hub for terrorists who want to stop democratic progress in Iraq and that US “patience is running out,” but he refused to specify what consequences Damascus might face.
Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad’s tough talk on Syria is part of a US pressure campaign in many foreign capitals and at the United Nations gathering this week in New York.
“Our patience is running out, the patience of Iraqis are running out. The time for decision … has arrived for Damascus,” Khalilzad said.
Speaking to reporters at the State Department, Khalilzad refused to rule out either a military strike on Syria or an attempt to further punish Syria through the United Nations Security Council.
“All options are on the table,” Khalilzad said.
The US claims the Baathist regime in Syria allows a free flow of foreign terrorists across its border with Iraq and turns a blind eye to terrorist training camps on its soil. Khalilzad said young, would-be terrorists are flying openly to Syria, landing unmolested at the Damascus airport on one-way tickets.
“It simply is not tolerable that they, with impunity, can allow terrorists to come from other countries in the region, get training or pass through,” to next-door Iraq, Khalilzad said.
Khalilzad is in Washington to accompany Iraqi President Jalal Talabani as he visits the White House and meets with members of Congress.
Khalilzad offered no proof of claims of Syrian interference, which he called “blatant,” and gave no specifics about US options to counter Syria.
