'Syria is strangling Lebanon's economy' - the words of Condeleeza Rice when she heard about the delays Lebanese truck drivers were facing at the Syrian border.

But now America has resorted to the same tactics - and for the same reason (security) - and apparently there's nothing wrong with that.

American troops are blocking Syrian trucks from returning home. Hundreds of drivers have been stranded in the desert for three days, far away from their family, and losing money every day. Supplies of water and food are dwindling, and temperatures are said to be unbearable.

700 trucks are currently at a standstill, while Iraqis and Turkish drivers are being allowed to cross the border into Syria freely, according to the Arab Organisation of Human Rights.

Some drivers think they are being used by the American forces as a human shield for the American military base which happens to be right next to the border post. Some were allowed through after bribing the Iraqi guards.