A terror suspect deported from Britain has been defending Al Qaeda and blaming Syria for the violence in Lebanon.

Omar Bakri Mohammad was expelled from the UK, and given safe haven in Lebanon. He is originally Syrian but had to flee Syria for similar reasons. He has finally found a home in Lebanon.

He is accused of inciting terrorism in Britain, and now says Al Qaeda-linked Fateh Al Islam is innocent, and that Syria is behind the attacks.

What a great friend to have, ay Hariri? Well, he is your guest I guess.

Labels: Britain, Fateh Al Islam, Lebanon

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has spoken for the first time about Iran's release of the 15 sailors and marines. He has thanked "friends and allies in the region".

The only country in the region that helped was Syria (Turkey offered but it didn't happen). The BBC is interpreting that this was a coded way for Blair to thank Syria. And it also says something very big: Syria now seems to be considered a "friend" of Britain.

It comes as Nancy Pelosi, the third most senior politician in the US, continues her holiday in Syria. She spent the night in Damascus, walking through the Old City talking to shopkeepers and visiting the Ummayid Mosque.

Not since Bashar visited Blair in London in December 2002 have relations been so good.

Labels: Britain, Iran, Turkey, US

Despite earlier Iranian denials, it has been revealed that Syria mediated between Britain and Iran.

And it worked. Iran has released the 15 UK sailors and marines.

Labels: Britain, Iran

Playing a very clever game here.

Syria has offered to mediate in the Iran-UK dispute. Iran is holding 15 British sailors and marines which it accuses of tresspassing into Iranian waters. The UK denies this and has refused to apologise.

Syria - which has excellent contacts inside Iran and reasonable relations with Britain - has offered to mediate. Iran has refused, saying it is a bilateral issue, and the UK knows what it has to do (sound familiar Bush?).

Labels: Britain, Iran

Britain's Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has opened up the chance for dialogue between Britain and Syria.

She told MPs she was encouraging the government of President Bashar Al Assad to help secure the Iraqi government: "We for our part, do continue a dialogue that we have with the Syrian government to encourage them to better relationship with the government and the people of Iraq "

But she hinted that she is being held back by the US: "There is really no need for me to persuade the United States.

The United States, in common with ourselves, would like nothing better than to feel that there is a possibility of constructive discussion and negotiation with Syria over a number of these issues - not least in the context of their relationship with Hamas.

Although we look constantly for signs that this is the approach it is not as evident as we would like to see.

We continue to look for further signs of Syrian willingness to act more constructively in the region and continue, therefore to keep under consideration whether or not there is merit in further contact in the coming months and so too does the European Union."

Labels: Britain