The raid undermined U.S.-Syrian ties which were already strained by other disputes, including U.S. accusations that Damascus has not stopped foreign fighters crossing into Iraq.Syria, listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by Washington, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2004 for supporting Lebanese political and guerrilla movement Hezbollah and other groups including the Palestinian Hamas.Washington recalled its ambassador to Syria following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in February 2005, which many Lebanese blame on Syria. Damascus denies any involvement.Outraged by the raid, Syria ordered the closure of an American school and an American cultural center in Damascus. The two institutions must close by November 6.The U.S. embassy in Damascus had said that it will not be staffed on Thursday due to an "increased security risk" and that "unforeseen events or circumstances may occur that could cause the U.S. Embassy in Damascus to close to the public for an unspecified period of time."
As in the days of Noah...