Syria to Increase Border Troops near Lebanon, Pull Back Near Iraq
Witnesses in Lebanon are already confirming a troop build-up on the border with Syria, in a move that the two countries say they hope will reduce illegal border-crossing. At the same time, initial reports seem to confirm that Syria is removing some of the additional troops it had put on the border with Iraq towards the same end (and in cooperation with the Iraqis and the U.S.).
Anti-Syrian politicians in Lebanon are suspicious of the build-up, which they say may be preparation for another incursion. However, recent attacks on Lebanese soldiers in the fragile country has others happy for the increased security the troops are supposed to bring.
Meanwhile, the troops leaving the Iraqi border is a response to the recent alleged U.S. invasion of Lebanese airspace (and subsequent bombing inside the borders). Interestingly, the Iraqi government condemned the U.S. action, but Syria’s recent moves have hurt Iraqi as well as U.S. security interests through its pull-back.
The timing of the two moves is coincidental, but not necessarily related. Perhaps some statements in the following days will shed some light on whether the two border movements are related, but clearly the move to Lebanon’s border would seem to bolster the fact that Syria agrees (officially) border troops do increase security against smuggling and transnational terrorist movements.
Joshua Bark
