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Blair in Syria to Discuss Anti-Terror War, Mideast Situation
British Prime Minister Tony Blair flew into Syria Tuesday night for talks on cooperation against terrorism and the Middle East situation, according to the local SANA news agency.
Blair is expected to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad Wednesday to exchange views on the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan and the tension between Israel and Palestinians.
The U.S. and its close ally Britain are in growing need of support, especially from the Mideast region, to isolate Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia and Saudi-born terror suspect Osama bin Laden.
Both countries are engaged in bombing raids on the Taliban's targets after the regime refused to hand over bin Laden being accused of masterminding the September 11 attacks on the U.S. landmarks.
Blair's arrival was highlighting Syria's particular influence in the region only a day after Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley paid a similar visit to Damascus.
A Downing Street spokesman earlier described Syria as an important player "worthwhile engaging with."
Damascus is believed to have a special role to play in easing tensions with Israel, as well as conflicts between Israel and Palestinians, which both the U.S. and Britain fear may play into the hands of bin Laden.
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