Is Syria blackmailing U.S.?

Syrian President Bashar Assad is supporting the insurgency against civilians and United States troops in Iraq and using the violence he aids to blackmail the U.S. and international community into easing the push for United Nations sanctions against his country, one of Lebanon's most prominent opposition leaders told WorldNetDaily yesterday in an exclusive interview.

"The Syrian regime is helping the insurgency in Iraq and allowing all kinds of militants to come in and out, and go to Iraq to attack random soldiers and innocent people," said Walid Jumblatt, head of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party and leader of the country's significant Druze population.

"Assad is using his support for the violence in Iraq to blackmail the Americans and the international community by saying either set a deal (regarding possible U.N. sanctions and the ongoing probe into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri) or I will continue the killing," Jumblatt charged.

While the U.S. has long maintained Assad is allowing insurgents to cross into Iraq, Jumblatt's statements mark the first time a significant Lebanese leader has made the accusation.

U.N. extends probe

The United Nations earlier this month extended its probe into the February car bombing that killed Hariri. Syria has been widely blamed for the attack.

Lebanese leaders along with the U.S. and France are calling for an expanded international inquiry to include other recent assassinations and bombings, including the murder in Beirut two weeks ago of prominent anti-Syrian journalist and lawmaker Gibran Tueni. A suspect with alleged ties to Syrian intelligence was formally arrested this week by Lebanese security officers investigating the Tueni assassination.

A report delivered by now-retired head of the U.N. probe Deltev Melhis charged Syria with interfering in the Hariri investigation by burning intelligence documents and intimidating a witness who had accused Damascus officials of planning to kill the former Lebanese prime minister.

The U.N. previously stated it would consider Security Council sanctions against Syria if it interfered in the probe. The U.S. is pushing for sanctions, which it says could collapse the Syrian economy.

Helping insurgents crossover to Iraq

But Jumblatt told WND, "Syria is using the violence it helps in Iraq as a pressure tool. It wants the U.S. and the international community to back off sanctions and the probe. The U.S. must not give in."

Asked to detail Syria's support of the insurgency, Jumblatt said, "According to Syrian law, if you are Arab, you can enter Syria without a visa. So all kinds of people are coming in and allowed to cross into Iraq. This includes even elements coming from Lebanon."

Jumblatt said he is aware of American reports Assad has been providing weapons and intelligence information to insurgents, "but they don't need the weapons. There are plenty of weapons and explosives in Iraq. There is a Baathist connection between Syria and Iraq. Assad is providing shelter and helping them cross."

'I am concerned for my life'

Jumblatt maintained Syrian intelligence agents are operating in Lebanon and actively looking to carry out further assassinations of key Lebanese officials.

Last week, a major Lebanese daily, quoting government and Parliament sources, published what it said was a Damascus hit list of six anti-Syrian figures. Jumblatt topped the list.

"I am not aware of any specific list, but yes, I am concerned for my safety," said Jumblatt. "I am staying inside more and being very careful."

Jumblatt denied Internet rumors claiming France recently sent a special unit to protect him.

Comparing Assad to "Adolf Hitler toward the end of World War II," Jumblatt said, "Assad is going around like the Gestapo and killing off his enemies. This man is a dictator and should not be dealt with in a civilized way. He is a threat to us all."