WAR: Syrian mosques sending fighters to Iraq, page 1

In spite of assurances by the Syrian government that it is "doing its best" to curb the traffic of insurgents across its border with Iraq, it seems that several hundred are still managing to get across every month. According to an investigation by the Daily Telegraph, a network of mosques is responsible for raising cash, providing weapons and recruiting personnel.

www.telegraph.co.uk
Much of the traffic is financed by former members of Saddam Hussein's regime living in the Syrian capital and has the backing of prominent tribal leaders.

Under intense pressure from America and the Iraqi government, Syria recently began building an earthern rampart along its 400-mile frontier with Iraq and has closed crossing points.

"We are doing our best," said Adham Marmadi, a Syrian foreign ministry official. "We have long borders that cannot be controlled fully."

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The insurgents do seem to enjoy a lot of popular support in Syria, where the population is 75% Sunni Muslim - this is probably due to a deep-seated resentment and distrust of the United States and its allies, and a fear of a Shia-controlled government in Iraq (which elections will undoubtedly result in).

How can Damascus expect to properly control its borders when most of the border-patrol guards sympathize with the insurgents?

Related News Links:
edition.cnn.com
www.iranmania.com
www.cia.gov