US finds reasons to focus on Syrian ‘enemy’

THE US ratcheted up the pressure on Syria yesterday by threatening sanctions over charges that Damascus is harbouring Iraqi leaders, developing chemical weapons and supporting terrorism.

"Syria is indeed a rogue nation," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.

US officials stopped short of threatening to extend the Iraq war to Syria. But Secretary of State Colin Powell said there was a "new environment" in the region and the US will examine diplomatic and economic measures against Syria.