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US attacks on Syria, Pakistan


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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

Wait a minute. Both of these incursions were US attacks on al Quada units who coordinated across border attacks on US forces and then retreat into Syira and Pakistan.

While I don't think the USA should be in Iraq at all, both Syria and Pakistan are ostensibly safe harbors for those who attack US forces, so they are fare game, as far as I'm concerned.

If Syria and Pakistan don't want US forces to violate their soverignty, they shouldn't allow al Quada to violate their soverignty either.

Bill Kelly

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...tack_Carried_Ou

Remember Poncho Villa!, Muhammad Omar and Abu Ghadiya.

Look out Osama Bin Laden.

Edited by William Kelly
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

Wait a minute. Both of these incursions were US attacks on al Quada units who coordinated across border attacks on US forces and then retreat into Syira and Pakistan.

While I don't think the USA should be in Iraq at all, both Syria and Pakistan are ostensibly safe harbors for those who attack US forces, so they are fare game, as far as I'm concerned.

If Syria and Pakistan don't want US forces to violate their soverignty, they shouldn't allow al Quada to violate their soverignty either.

Bill Kelly

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...tack_Carried_Ou

Remember Poncho Villa!, Muhammad Omar and Abu Ghadiya.

Look out Osama Bin Laden.

Ah, you've got to be kidding me, Bill.

That would mean the US could pre-emptively strike any other country, and always claim they were chasing Al queda. Anyway, where's the proof that justifies such a deadly strike? Down the drain with the WMD's probably. Civilian casualties don't seem to matter to blinkered Yanks. They're only ragheads after all.

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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

Wait a minute. Both of these incursions were US attacks on al Quada units who coordinated across border attacks on US forces and then retreat into Syira and Pakistan.

While I don't think the USA should be in Iraq at all, both Syria and Pakistan are ostensibly safe harbors for those who attack US forces, so they are fare game, as far as I'm concerned.

If Syria and Pakistan don't want US forces to violate their soverignty, they shouldn't allow al Quada to violate their soverignty either.

Bill Kelly

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...tack_Carried_Ou

Remember Poncho Villa!, Muhammad Omar and Abu Ghadiya.

Look out Osama Bin Laden.

Ah, you've got to be kidding me, Bill.

That would mean the US could pre-emptively strike any other country, and always claim they were chasing Al queda. Anyway, where's the proof that justifies such a deadly strike? Down the drain with the WMD's probably. Civilian casualties don't seem to matter to blinkered Yanks. They're only ragheads after all.

The US pre-emptively strikes any country they want anyway. They don't strike Canada and claim they're chasing Mexican bandits. If Syria and Pakastan want to harbor al Quada, then they're going to be attacked.

Abu Ghadiya is not a civilian casualty. He's now a dead terrorist.

If you read the report from Syria, it appears that the Syrians Intelligence cooperated in the operation, so all the outrage is a sham anyway.

And the only retaliation against the blinkered Yankees in Syria is to close the school they run for the ragheads.

The only mistake the Special Ops guys made in taking out Abu Ghadiya is making news. They should have just killed him quietly, though the media blitz was probalby part of the message they were sending to everyone.

Did you get the message?

If you are al Quada or pals with al Quada, they're comming to get cha, where ever you are. Not kidding.

BK

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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

According to the BBC's Middle-East expert, the action was probably taken to help John McCain's election prospects. It is hoped that it will develop into an "October Surprise".

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http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10738

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10737

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?con...a&aid=10735

The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

According to the BBC's Middle-East expert, the action was probably taken to help John McCain's election prospects. It is hoped that it will develop into an "October Surprise".

Then according to this UK Middle East Expert, the Syrians like McCain too.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-New...tack_Carried_Ou

Nothing can help John McCain's election prospects.

Not even if Busch captures Bin Laden and bring him back to Washington and the Stock Market goes through the roof.

And the only person anyone can blame for the election of Obama is George W. Bush.

BK

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Did you get the message?

If you are al Quada or pals with al Quada, they're comming to get cha, where ever you are. Not kidding.

BK

No, I don't get the message at all.

Who the hell annointed the US to be the world's police? You don't have the right to roam the globe in pursuit of your enemies, real or imagined, mowing down civilians in the process. What #### arrogance.

How would you like it if the forces of another country--from the other side of the world no less--regularly killed US citizens in pursuit of shadowy enemies?

Furthermore, such bloodlust only perpetuates the endless cycle of bloodshed. The more civilians you kill, the more new terrorists are recruited. It will never end. There's no glorious victory waiting for you, just war and death.

I hope Obama gets America out of Iraq and Afghanistan and starts attending to the needs of US citizens--and stops waging wars on behalf of its so-called allies.

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Did you get the message?

If you are al Quada or pals with al Quada, they're comming to get cha, where ever you are. Not kidding.

BK

No, I don't get the message at all.

Who the hell annointed the US to be the world's police? You don't have the right to roam the globe in pursuit of your enemies, real or imagined, mowing down civilians in the process. What #### arrogance.

How would you like it if the forces of another country--from the other side of the world no less--regularly killed US citizens in pursuit of shadowy enemies?

Furthermore, such bloodlust only perpetuates the endless cycle of bloodshed. The more civilians you kill, the more new terrorists are recruited. It will never end. There's no glorious victory waiting for you, just war and death.

I hope Obama gets America out of Iraq and Afghanistan and starts attending to the needs of US citizens--and stops waging wars on behalf of its so-called allies.

Where's the outrage of over 3,000 civilians killed at the WTC while al Quada laughed?

Whose killing civilians?

They didn't send a missle into Abu Ghadiya's house in Syria, they sent in soldiers in helicopters who went in and got the guy they were looking for. They didn't pick a house with a buch of innocent old ladies sitting around drinking tea to kill. They knew who they were looking for and they got the bastard. They killed his pals And they took a prisoner out with them. How come nobody's bitchin' about him? Talk about radical extradition. They don't bitch about him because he was a bastard they're glad to get rid of.

I'm sure the American school they closed in Syria wasn't teaching radical islamic thug fundamentalism, as practiced by al Quada, who enslave women, kill kids who have American dollars or candy on them, and terrorize people into submission.

The principles of the American revolution are as radical and revolutionary today as they were in 1776, and I'm sure the American school in Syria taught reading, writing, arithmatic, freedom, liberty, democracy and justice, radical ideas in an ignorant world.

America shouldn't be the world's policeman, and they don't belong in Iraq, but there is not a more just cause than the war against al Quada in Afghanistan and whereever they are in the world.

God Bless the American Special Forces hunting al Quada thugs, and the Afghan, Aussie, Brits, Israle and other volunteers who fight with them.

BK

Edited by William Kelly
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Where's the outrage of over 3,000 civilians killed at the WTC while al Quada laughed?

9/11 is still largely unresolved and as you know, there are many critics of the official Government investigation. Some think that there were elements within the intelligence community who knew in advance that it would occur and did nothing to stop the attack. And from what I've read, it wasn't only Al Queda doing the laughing. The Israeli 'art students' were whooping it up as well.

Whose killing civilians?

The US is killing civilians.

They didn't send a missle into Abu Ghadiya's house in Syria, they sent in soldiers in helicopters who went in and got the guy they were looking for. They didn't pick a house with a buch of innocent old ladies sitting around drinking tea to kill. They knew who they were looking for and they got the bastard. They killed his pals And they took a prisoner out with them. How come nobody's bitchin' about him? Talk about radical extradition. They don't bitch about him because he was a bastard they're glad to get rid of.

Fine. In 1946, the Jewish terrorist group Irgun blew up Jerusalem's King David Hotel, killing 91 people (mostly Arabs and British). Menachem Begin, leader of Irgun, carried out the attack. He then fled to the US where he used to hang out with West Coast mobsters like Mickey Cohen. According to your logic, the British forces would have been entirely justified in pursuing Begin to America and then killing him. Any innocent American civilians killed in the process would just be bad luck, right?

I'm sure the American school they closed in Syria wasn't teaching radical islamic thug fundamentalism, as practiced by al Quada, who enslave women, kill kids who have American dollars or candy on them, and terrorize people into submission.

I don't like Islamic fundamentalism any more than you do but it's not like an army you can defeat. It's an idea, an ideology. No amount of bullets or missiles will defeat it. When you kill the Al queda 'bastard and his pals' you can rest assured the leadership vaccuum will be rapidly filled. It's folly with no end. Can't you see that?

The principles of the American revolution are as radical and revolutionary today as they were in 1776, and I'm sure the American school in Syria taught reading, writing, arithmatic, freedom, liberty, democracy and justice, radical ideas in an ignorant world.

Ah yes, you're out to save the world from ignorance---whether they like it or not. Reading, writing and arithmatic are radical ideas in Syria are they? As for freedom liberty and justice, perhaps America should practice what it preaches rather than preaching what it doesn't practice.

America shouldn't be the world's policeman, and they don't belong in Iraq, but there is not a more just cause than the war against al Quada in Afghanistan and whereever they are in the world.

God Bless the American Special Forces hunting al Quada thugs, and the Afghan, Aussie, Brits, Israle and other volunteers who fight with them.

What crap. Don't you think Afghanistan deserves a break? They've had occupying forces in their country since the Soviets invaded in '79. The best way to starve Islamic fundamentalism of oxygen is for America to withdraw, stop trying to incite conflict throughout the world with weapons sales and starting addressing its massive domestic problems. The seige mentality imposed on the Islamic world by the US would diminish. And If Obama shows leadership on the 60 year old problem of Palestine--which I believe he will--then the ideology of Islamic fundamentalism will rapidly lose appeal throughout the Islamic world.

Edited by Mark Stapleton
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Mark,

I was wondering how long it would take before you brought up Palestine.

I'm pretty sure Obama has made a deal with the Isralies, and I know that he supports the crossboarder engagements in Pakistan, but like the White House, has remained silent about the Syria raid.

And no, the United States and the muliti-national forces in Afghanistan can't just leave and let them settle their own problems because the Islamic fundamentalists impose Islamic law over everyone, a tyrianical system that the US fought in 1800 in the Barbary Wars and fight today.

The foreign occupation of Afghanistan dates back much further than the Soviets, hundreds of years with the British and thousands of years with Alexander.

As for the growing outrage over the US attacks, consider what is slowly coming out - Bush gave Gen. Petraus the operational freedom for crossboard operations last July, and that the Syrian Intelligence service was briefed before hand, and have been supplied with the intelligence gained from the missions, including two captured prisoners.

We haven't heard the last on this.

They've done it twice, so you can be sure they will do it again. It's just a matter of when, where and who they are after.

And I hope you are right about Obama being able to settle the Middle East disputes, but I wouldn't count on it.

BK

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Mark,

I was wondering how long it would take before you brought up Palestine.

Well it is the elephant in the living room of US foreign policy, so I think it rates a mention, even if many supposedly well informed American members don't like talking about it.

I'm pretty sure Obama has made a deal with the Isralies, and I know that he supports the crossboarder engagements in Pakistan, but like the White House, has remained silent about the Syria raid.

Well he's had to kiss plenty of butt, otherwise he would never get elected. But if he doesn't have a realistic plan for Palestine--as opposed to an Israeli plan for Palestine--the rest of the world will know he's just another phony. Obama will have to offend the Zionist lobby (of course, they are very easily offended), but I reckon he'll talk over the heads of the lobby and it's Western media cheerleaders and ride a wave of global opinion to get real changes. Of course, this might get him killed and we know where his VP stands on the issue---he's a unapologetic Zionist. The lobby knows the benefit of having a starter in every race.

And no, the United States and the muliti-national forces in Afghanistan can't just leave and let them settle their own problems because the Islamic fundamentalists impose Islamic law over everyone, a tyrianical system that the US fought in 1800 in the Barbary Wars and fight today.

I didn't mean leave tomorrow, but rather draw up a realistic plan for a prompt withdrawal. As for your fear of tyranny subsequently reigning supreme, there's only so much the US can do, unless you believe the US is duty bound to eradicate tyranny globally. If so, why are there no US troops occupying Zimbabwe, where the UN recently concluded that 50% of the population are starving? US foreign policy loves to cherrypick its crusades and there's usually some stinking motive behind its selections. Also, why do you think the US is more capable of sorting out Afghanistan than Afghans themselves? Oh, that's right--they need the US to point out the goodies from the baddies.

The foreign occupation of Afghanistan dates back much further than the Soviets, hundreds of years with the British and thousands of years with Alexander.

I know. Interesting but not directly relevant.

As for the growing outrage over the US attacks, consider what is slowly coming out - Bush gave Gen. Petraus the operational freedom for crossboard operations last July, and that the Syrian Intelligence service was briefed before hand, and have been supplied with the intelligence gained from the missions, including two captured prisoners.

We haven't heard the last on this.

They've done it twice, so you can be sure they will do it again. It's just a matter of when, where and who they are after.

Of course. The game plan is to trigger a war with Iran. Many thousands would be killed. US foreign policy needs to turn 180 degrees. Bush, Chaney and all the neocon Zionist zealots belong in jail. One day that's where they'll be.

And I hope you are right about Obama being able to settle the Middle East disputes, but I wouldn't count on it.

Nor would I.

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The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

The bombing of Syria was clearly an act of war. Americans should ask themselves how they would react if any country bombed their territory. Lucky for the world (and Obama) the Syria did not declare war on the United States.

What else can Bush try to get the Republicans elected? He probably realised it is too late to do anything to help McCain now. However, Bush will remain president for 12 more weeks. He is no longer accountabe to American electors and he can do what he likes. Interesting times.

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Bak. Derk-derk-Allah. Derka derka, Mohammed Jihad. Haka sherpa-sherpa. Abaka-la.

Team America - World Police

Yeah.

Team America is one of my favorite films. Maybe in the top three. Stone and Parker set out to offend as many people as possible but it's just so screamingly funny.

And now.........................Mister Arek Borwin.

p.s. freedom costs a buck o five.

Edited by Mark Stapleton
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The recent US helicopter attack in Syria, near the Iraq border, and the missile attack by US drones in Pakistan has caused outrage in those countries. The White House has remained silent, as has the cowardly Western media. The combined death toll was about 34.

The US considers itself above the rule of law and continues to violate the sovereignty of other nations with impunity. In this regard they share a common trait with Israel. Indeed, it's clear they are working in tandem, most likely with some larger strategy in mind. One would hope they are not setting a precedent for an unprovoked attack on Iran--the US/Israel axis of evil is clearly itching for a war with Iran--with the tired old 'war on terror' line as their flimsy but ever reliable excuse. Iran shares land borders with seven countries, including Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan so it's possible the US might send in Team America for another attack close enough to the Iranian border to provoke an Iranian military response. This is what the Bush regime, and especially Israel, dearly want.

Bring on the war crimes trials.

John,

The bombing of Syria was clearly an act of war.

John, the attack on Americans whereever they are is an act of war. The Americans are responding to their being attacked.

Americans should ask themselves how they would react if any country bombed their territory.

Nobody bombed anybody. We're talking about the helicopter attack on the al Quada coordinator in Syria and the taking of two prisoners.

Lucky for the world (and Obama) the Syria did not declare war on the United States.

John, do you refuse to read or believe this report that the attack had the green light from Syrian Intelligence?

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Syria-Helicopter-Attack-Carried-Out-By-US-With-Knowledge-Of-Syrian-Intelligence-Says-Ronen-Bergman/Article/200810415130766?lpos=World_News_Top_Stories_Header_1&lid=ARTICLE_15130766_Syria_Helicopter_Attack_Carried_Ou

And they never actually closed the American school, despite ranting and raving about it?

What else can Bush try to get the Republicans elected? He probably realised it is too late to do anything to help McCain now.

Bush can't do anything to get McCain elected other than calling off the election.

However, Bush will remain president for 12 more weeks. He is no longer accountabe to American electors and he can do what he likes. Interesting times.

Yea, he's a Lame Duck President with all the power in the world and no one to account for what he does. That may be scarry, but I'm going to kind of miss him, as I like having real bad guys in power - like LBJ, Nixon and Bush, so its easier to be against the government.

But this story about the helicopter raid is not over yet, and I have a feeling there will be another attack coming soon. Grandmother's on the roof, as David Atlee Phillips would say

BK

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=...40-ef3ac16a42b5

On Sunday, U.S. helicopters accompanied by a special forces team struck in Sukkariyeh, Syria, just over the border from Iraq. It was a raid with enormous implications for the war in Iraq and the broader war on terror. The target of the raid was a man named Badran Turki Hishan al-Mazidih, better known in his circles as Abu Ghadiya. Since 2004, intelligence officials have been targeting Abu Ghadiya for his pernicious role in Iraq: helping fuel the Sunni insurgency by transporting foreign fighters, money, and weapons. Never before had Americans struck within Syria with such visible fingerprints. But officials believe that killing Abu Ghadiya justified that kind of action. One military official told me that the elimination of Abu Ghadiya represents a significant triumph over al Qaeda in Iraq. "The organization is pretty much finished now," he told me.

That is a big story. But it doesn't begin to capture the magnitude of the strike in Sukkariyeh. We have entered a new phase in the war on terror. In July, according to three administration sources, the Bush administration formally gave the military new power to strike terrorist safe havens outside of Iraq and Afghanistan. Before then, a military strike in a country like Syria or Pakistan would have required President Bush's personal approval. Now, those kinds of strikes in the region can occur at the discretion of the incoming commander of Central Command (Centcomm), General David Petraeus. One intelligence source described the order as institutionalizing the "Chicago Way," an allusion to Sean Connery's famous soliloquy about bringing a gun to a knife fight.

The new order could pave the way for direct action in Kenya, Mali, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen--all places where the American intelligence believe al Qaeda has a significant presence, but can no longer count on the indigenous security services to act. In the parlance of the Cold War, Petraeus will now have the authority to fight a regional "dirty war." When queried about the order from July, deputy spokesman for the National Security Council Ben Chang offered no comment.

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