Syrian Forces Foil Terrorist Attack on U.S. Embassy Damascus

Here is a report from ICEJ:

Terror attack on US Embassy in Damascus foiled

A large-scale terror attack on the US Embassy in the Syrian capitol of Damascus was thwarted Tuesday morning after gunmen engaged Syrian security personnel in deadly firefight. The terrorists, according reports, drove two explosives-laden cars to the area of the embassy, exited the vehicles and opened fire with machine guns and hand grenades. The Syrian guards then returned fire, killing three of the attackers and detonating one of the vehicles. Witnesses reported that a Syrian security officer was killed in the fighting while a worker at the embassy reported that there were no US casualties in the attack. The US turned up its criticism of Syria during the Israeli conflict in July and August with Lebanese-based Hizb'Allah guerrillas, who are supported by Syria and Iran. Along with Iran, Iraq and North Korea - Syria comprises what US President George W Bush has dubbed the "Axis of Evil." Syria, accused by Washington of helping insurgents in Iraq and backing Hizb'Allah and Hamas, blames the rise of terrorism in the region on US policies in the Middle East.

Assad is no dummy. The crafty Syrian President is fully aware that a successful terrorist attack this close to a 9/11 Memorian would give the Bush Administration the leverage to attack and blame him.

This is by NO means a display of Syrian aid to help America in the Middle East. It was an act of self-preservation to avoid a probable combined American/Israeli reprisal.