SYRIA CONTINUES ARMING PFLP FOR ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

Note: There is a tremendous amount of "Open-Source Intelligence" (information that is easily obtained from published sources accessible in the public domain, e.g. news papers and magazines, the internet, broadcast media, Arab websites, blogs, etc.) that indicate that an attack on Israel by Syria and Palestinian forces (supplied by Iran) is imminent. The enormous quantity of sophisticated weaponry being transferred into the hands of Palestinian terrorists in Lebanon is unprecedented. Syrian military buildups North of the Golan Heights are being reinforced with large contingents of artillery, armor, and troops (Syria says that their military deployment is merely training maneuvers). It is a well known fact that Syria possesses anthrax vials, containers of mustard gas, and other chemical and biological weapons intended for use against Israel. Tensions in Jordan are apparent and sources there are concerned that if Syria attacks Israel, Jordan may be drawn into the conflict. While Egypt is not expected to immediately support an Arab attack on Israel, radical Islamic elements there may force Egypt to abrogate its peace treaty with Israel. In other words, the Middle-East is a powder keg and Israel is the target. The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has publicly recognized the Syrian preparations for war against Israel but, as we all know, the United Nations is impotent. At the first sign of hostilities, U.N. forces would be withdrawn and aggression against Israel would not be confronted. It has happened many times in the past...one only has to remember what happened in the Sinai in 1973. The United States is over committed as it is and in all probability would do nothing to support Israel when the attacks begin (other than to re-supply military materials but even that limited assistance is questionable). In other words, as we all realize, Israel must stand alone, only this time the enemy has new weaponry that will cause Israel's cities to resemble London during the Blitz. Israel's Civilian Government is fiddling around and wasting what little precious time we have to prepare for the oncoming onslaught which analysts believe may come as soon as late August. We can only hope that our new Defense Minister (who has proven courage and abilities necessary) will be able to overcome the tremendous obstacles facing him and the IDF. If we are to survive, only pressure from the public will cause Olmert to act to defend Israel. The old adage "Pray for Peace but Prepare For War" has never had more urgency. B’nai Elim Blogmaster

U.N. chief worried about arms smuggling

By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press Writer | June 29, 2007

UNITED NATIONS --Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Syria and Iran on Friday to do more to prevent arms smuggling to Lebanon, citing "disturbing reports" from the Lebanese and Israeli governments of alleged violations of the U.N. arms embargo.

In a report to the Security Council on implementation of the resolution that ended last summer's 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah, Ban said the reports "constitute a major impediment to the establishment of a permanent cease-fire and a long-term solution" that would bring peace to Lebanon.

The report was issued three days after a U.N.-appointed team said security along the Lebanon-Syria border is insufficient to prevent arms smuggling and Lebanon should quickly establish a mobile force to intercept any flow of weapons.

In the latest report, Ban said Lebanon informed him that on June 6, four trucks were seen by the Lebanese armed forces traveling from Al-Kafeer in Syria to Lebanon, ultimately to an outpost of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian in Jabal al-Maaysara. Each truck carried two vehicles mounted with 40-barrel rocket launchers, he said.

At the same time, he said, Israel claims Syria and Iran are transferring "sophisticated weaponry" across the Lebanon-Syria border every week, including long-range rockets, anti-tank and anti-aircraft defense systems. Israel says this has enabled Hezbollah "to rearm to the same levels as before last year's war or beyond," but has not provided evidence, he said.

Syria "has denied any involvement in effecting breaches of the arms embargo," Ban said.

Nonetheless, the secretary-general said, Syria, Iran and other regional states "have a particular responsibility to ensure that the provisions related to the arms embargo" in the August 2006 resolution that ended the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict are fully respected.

"The Syrian Arab Republic, in particular, has a shared responsibility in controlling its borders with Lebanon ... including in safeguarding against breaches of the arms embargo," Ban said.

He noted Syria's willingness to consider working with European governments on improving border security, and urged Syria "to do more to control its border with Lebanon."

The February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri sparked huge protests against Syria, which was widely seen as culpable. Syria denied involvement but was forced to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, ending a 29-year presence.

© Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company