Why do some think Syria is full of terrorists?

Thursday, May 03, 2007

By Marvin Zindler

(5/03/07 - KTRK/DAMASCUS, Syria) (KTRK) -- Why do some Americans think Syrians are terrorists? That's what the Syrian born Mother Superior of the oldest Catholic church in that country asked Marvin Zindler when he was in Syria.

The Syrian health minister told me while I was in Damascusa that any Arab could go back and forth across the border without visa or passport papers . So I ask, does that mean al Qaida, Hezbollah and Hamas can use Syria as a haven?

While in Syria last month, I spent time with a United Nations representative in Damascus. He said the same thing. Syria's borders are wide open to all Arabs.

"There have been no restrictions whatsoever, very, very few," said Laurens Jolles with the United Nations. "Up to today, the borders are open, so that means that countries to most other countries in the region and countries to most other countries in the world, the borders have been open. Any Iraqi wanting to come is coming through at the moment. It surprises me that they continue to do that, to keep their borders open and have few restrictions."

Just outside of Damascus is the oldest Catholic monastery. It dates back to the first century. The Mother Superior here at St. Takla wonders why some Americans may think Syrians are terrorists and why their country is considered part of the so-called 'axis of evil.'

"We like too much America and the people in America and everything in America," she said. "We hope that the best life in America, but we ask somebody in America why they said about Syria, we have terrorists. We haven't anything, no problems in Syria, no war. Why don't they like us?"

When the Mother Superior asked me why Americans think Syria has terrorists, I could have easily responded. But I don't think she'd like my answers. Such as, why Syria allows al Qaida, Hezbollah, and Hamas to take haven in their country. At least that's what our government says, and a good source in Syria didn't deny that Hamas is there.

I will say Syria is a very friendly and beautiful country and we felt no fear. If only they could find a way to work with Israel and Israel work with Syria and come up with a peace plan, Syria would be one of the great countries to visit.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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