Lebanon and Syria Unite to Fight Terrorism
Lebanon and Syria agreed today to enhance border patrol and counter-terrorism mesures between the two nations. This is the next step to strengthen diplomatic ties. Cross-border smuggling has been a concern of the Syrians and has been the reasoning behind the movement of 10,000 troops to the border between Lebanon and Syria. This counter-terror effort is also in response to the assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005. Fatah al-Islam is another concern to both the Lebanese and Syrian governments. The militant group fought the Lebanese army last year and have also claimed responsibility for a car bombing in Damascus in September.
Though many reasons have been given to justify this strengthening of the border, most could also cover up the preparation of Syria to invade Lebanon. When Syria brought troops to the border, many thought they were preparing to invade. While this may be seen as a positive step for the relationship between Syria and Lebanon, Lebanon could also be making itself vulnerable to invasion.
Samantha Foley
