Some American officials acknowledge that Damascus has quietly collaborated with the U.S. in the war on terrorism, despite U.S. accusations that Syria has allowed former Iraqi regime officials to seek refuge in Syria. U.S. State Department officials state that since September 11, 2001, the date of the terrorist attacks on the U.S., Syria has provided valuable information about al-Qaeda to the U.S. Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the U.S. government has initiated extensive contacts with Syria regarding the current tensions over Iraq. Mr. Powell stated that Syria does not wish to become a haven for members of the overthrown Iraqi regime. The U.S. Secretary of State added that the exchange of messages with Syria occurs through the U.S. ambassador in Syria and also through the governments of Britain, France, and Spain. Another point Mr. Powell mentioned to the Associated Press is that he intends to travel to Damascus to negotiate with Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria. However, the U.S. Secretary of State did not announce the date of his trip.
Some American Officials Acknowledge That Damascus Quietly Collaborated with the U.S. in the War on Terrorism - 2003-04-17
American officials have acknowledged Syria's quiet cooperation with the U.S. in the war on terrorism, providing valuable intelligence on al-Qaeda since 9/11. Colin Powell has initiated contacts with Syria regarding Iraq and plans to negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad. This development highlights the complexities of U.S.-Syria relations amidst ongoing tensions.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
American officials have acknowledged Syria's cooperation with the U.S. in the war on terrorism, particularly in providing intelligence on al-Qaeda. Colin Powell has initiated communications with Syria regarding Iraq and plans to negotiate with President Assad.
- Syria has provided valuable intelligence on al-Qaeda since the September 11 attacks.
- The U.S. is engaging in diplomatic communications with Syria through various European governments.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Since the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. has been focused on combating terrorism, leading to complex relationships with various Middle Eastern countries, including Syria and Iran.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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