Damascus and Beirut protested today, albeit in differing tones of voice, at the US government's decision to intensify checks of citizens of some nations - including Syria and Lebanon - which are held to be sponsors of terrorism, or potential places of refuge and territories for the passage of suspect terrorists.
Receiving the US politician Alcee Hastings, in Beirut, the Lebanese President, Michel Suleiman, expressed his "concern at the security measures announced by the United States", stating that Lebanon "enjoys a climate of stability and has shown itself capable of fighting terrorism".
Following the failed attack on the Amsterdam-Detroit flight at Christmas, the United States has recently decided on tightening its security cordon at airports, especially concerning passengers originating from Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Somalia and Yemen.
For its part, Syria has strongly criticised Washington's decision, albeit unofficially, calling it "a dangerous return to the 'black lists' of the Bush era".
The editorial of daily newspaper al Watan, which is close to the government, this morning averred that "Mr Obama is staking his reputation on this affair".
The editorial of daily newspaper al Watan, which is close to the government, this morning averred that "Mr Obama is staking his reputation on this affair".
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