2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

SYRIA-LEBANON
reckless disregard for regional stability and the depth of the relationship between these terrorists
and Damascus.
SYRIA-BACKED TERRORISTS ATTACKED U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ
Syria took a leading role in facilitating—both financially and logistically—the transit of foreign
fighters into Iraq. Although there had been a decrease in the number of foreign fighters during
the last two years before U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi officials maintained
that Syria continued to allow terrorists to cross into Iraq to carry out major attacks against
Iraqi civilians and American troops.
SYRIA CONTINUES TO INTERFERE IN LEBANON
Syria has long played the unwelcome role of a power-broker in Lebanon, and its new
crisis further undermines the independence and sovereignty of Beirut. In addition, Syrian
interference has forced pro-Western Lebanese officials to accede to Hizballah’s political
demands and has allowed the terrorist group to expand its influence.
The Syrian population continues to face brutal repression at the hands of the Assad regime.
161