International pressure on Damascus reached new levels after assassination - many believe by Syrian agents - of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri in Beirut. Tens of thousands marched in Beirut demanding withdrawal of Syria’s 14,000 troops; U.S. and France led international criticism, with U.S. recalling its ambassador to Damascus. Syria committed to full withdrawal (but declined to specify timeline), and handed U.S. Saddam Hussein’s half-brother, suspected of directing insurgency from Syria. Elsewhere, Israel blamed Syria for 25 February Tel Aviv bombing.

U.S. kept pressure on Syria in run-up to elections in Iraq. In press conference, President Bush warned Damascus against providing base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Iraq. Earlier, U.S. Sec. State Condoleezza Rice stated Syria’s behaviour could harm long-term relations.

Relations with U.S. deteriorated as President Bush denounced alleged Syrian support for insurgency in Iraq and threatened new sanctions. In second troop redeployment since September UN resolution, Syria withdrew forces from northern town Batrun and Beirut’s southern suburbs and international airport to Bekaa valley, closer to Syrian-Lebanese border. Car bomb, wounding 3, exploded Damascus 14 December; alleged Hamas member Mesbah Abu Hweileh narrowly escaped blast. Syria blamed Mossad; denied by Israel.

U.S. Sec. State Colin Powell, meeting with Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara in Egypt, said Syria must do more to stem infiltration of foreign militants into Iraq. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad told United Nations special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen that Syria prepared to resume peace negotiations with Israel “without conditions”. Israeli officials said Syria must curb support for terrorism directed at Israel before meaningful talks can proceed.

UN Security Council adopted unanimous statement 19 October calling for withdrawal of Syria’s 14,000 troops from Lebanon. U.S. threatened to strengthen sanctions if Damascus did not comply. (See also Lebanon above.)

UN resolution urged Syria not to interfere in Lebanon’s domestic politics after Syrian pressure led to constitutional amendment extending Lebanese President Lahoud’s term. Syria responded with partial withdrawal of its troops stationed in Lebanon, but observers sceptical move signals significant policy change. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State William Burns visited Damascus mid-September, brokered U.S./Syrian cooperation on Iraqi border, pushed for Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon. Syria-based Hamas leader Izzideen Al-Sheikh Khalil killed in Damascus car bombing 26 September; Hamas and Syria blamed Mossad, no comment from Israeli government.

Israeli army chief General Moshe Yaalon said returning Golan Heights to Syria – key Damascus demand in any peace deal – would not compromise Israel’s security. Syrian Kurds claimed new wave of arrests; said over 180 remain in detention following March riots. (See also Lebanon above.)

EU and Syria reportedly close to signing landmark trade accord; sides still negotiating sensitive clause on Syria’s WMD program.

Government said activities of Kurdish political parties would no longer be permitted, 3 months after unrest left 30 Kurds dead. Negotiations on major trade agreement with EU stalled over Syrian refusal to renounce weapons of mass destruction. [Last month’s CrisisWatch incorrectly reported agreement had been signed.]

In long-anticipated and largely symbolic move, U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Syria 11 May. Meanwhile, EU agreed wording of landmark trade accord with Damascus; includes clause with WMD benchmarks. Authorities said group of 4 Syrian radical Islamists responsible for 27 April bombing in diplomatic district of Damascus.