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

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I have written a few posts on the implications of the United States’ most recent (known) raid, which has had very negative impacts not only in relations between the U.S. and Syria, but in relations between Iraq and Syria, and even between the U.S. and Iraq.  Syria was included on the list of countries suspected to have al-Qaeda elements within its borders.

This approval was not used indiscriminately, however, as many such operations have been canceled (“as many as a dozen” according to the NYT), and still required high-level approval.

Now that this order is public knowledge, the political fallout, both domestic and international, will be interesting to see.  This may support widespread feeling in the Middle East that the United States and other Western states have used their military power with impunity to advance its interests abroad.  However, some may also argue that these raids take the burden off of some countries to shoulder the anti-terrorism security concerns or that it improves security (as the U.S. will certainly argue).  Many feel that the Syria border-crossing was in the best interests of Iraq’s security, for instance.  However, it is difficult to imagine the latter being the majority view, particularly with governments trying to assert legitimacy and sovereignty.

Joshua Bark

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Yemen’s  Tourism Minister Nabil al-Faqi stated the necessity of Yemen’s participation, particularly in the face of tourism rates significantly declining since the attacks on the US Embassy in Sana’a. Al-Faqi explained Yemen’s hope in forming “tourism alliances” with the British and thereby forming a relationship and connection with the UK.

Yemen’s participation in the conference shows the country’s attempts to extend itself beyond the Middle East and introduce itself within Europe. Yemen’s participation is an example of how the country is attempting to repair and reinvent itself in the face of terrorism and other internal issues. In addition, the conference will discuss Yemen’s internal conditions that have adversely affected tourism. The conference seems to indicate Yemen’s recognition that there are problems that must be dealt with in order for the country to create a positive reputation, especially in the Europe and the United States.

Jenna Hootstein

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Al-Bahlul called the tribunal “a farce” and refused to present a defense, and consequently would not even answer to questions from the judge. Prosecutors acknowledged that al-Bahlul had previously admitted that he was al-Qaeda’s media chief and thereby made propaganda videos. More importantly, prosecutors claim that it was those videos that helped to inspire the 9/11 attacks.

After the trial, al-Bahlul broke his silence telling the court “we mill fight any government that governs America…We are the only ones on Earth who will stand against you…”

The story of al-Bahlul illustrates a particular case for a type of dual and conflicting mentality that exists within Yemen’s borders, especially given the fact the country has been dealing with terrorism more recently. Yemen seems to be caught up in a struggle. On one hand, it seems to want to exert itself as a key player in the international spectrum and overcome problems such as poverty and terrorism, yet on the other hand, there is a very corrupt government. Cases such as this trial at Guantanamo help bring these issues to light.

Jenna Hootstein

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These confessions have aroused suspicion for a number of reasons.  The Syrian government has been accused by Lebanon of supporting the very group the confessions reveal have bombed Damascus to harm the Syrian government.  Also, if this is evidence that Syria has not been supporting Fatah al-Islam, Syria will also be showing that it has the same interests as the West’s ‘war on terrorism,’ giving it more credibility against accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

The confessions state that the attack originated in Northern Lebanon and the attacker came from Saudi Arabia.  The pro-west Sunni leader in Lebanon (Saad Hariri) has ties to Saudi Arabia, and many think this will strain their relationship.  This also has broader implications, as Syria’s aired confessions are sure to strain their relations with Saudi Arabia as well.  If the confessions are true, then Syria will look upon the Saudis with suspicion, and if they are false, the Saudis will surely be angered at the nature of the faked confessions.

It is unclear as to how these confessions were obtained.

Joshua Bark

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Of course, international relations dictates that Iraq not denounce the United States to the extent Syria has been willing and able to do, but Syria’s pressure on Iraq shows how balance is incredibly difficult to maintain in relations between nations.  Iraq has returned pressure, asking Syria to continue cracking down on cross-border smuggling, which was the purpose of the alleged cross-border attack.

According to one news source in Jordan, relations between the two countries have been totally cut off, but this has not been confirmed by other reports.  Whether Iraq’s denunciation of the raid will go far enough to satisfy the Syrians remains to be seen.

Joshua Bark

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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

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The situation between the two countries has been getting worse, as Syria has shut down U.S.-run schools and other centers in Syria.  The U.S has demanded that security be provided for the duration of closure and wants the closures to last as short as possible.

These alternating closures are symbolic of what sort of political ramifications the U.S. will face with its policy of crossing borders in order to pursue alleged terrorists.  Of course, the United States has yet to confirm the invasion of Syrian airspace, but if it becomes clear that it did, its reluctance to admit it will only worsen relations between the two countries–and possibly tarnish its relations with other countries as well.

Joshua Bark

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It has been claimed that the UN Secretary General ordered UN offices in Yemen to keep all essential employees at home and to send non-essential employees out of Yemen, relocating in Egypt or Jordan. This order comes in the aftermath of al-Qaeda sending a threatening message to the UN’s office in Sana’a. Given the recent bombing of the UN in Algeria, Yemen is taking this threat very seriously .

Jenna Hootstein

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Dennis Gallagher

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