Rumsfeld Says Syria's Behavior 'Harmful'

5 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has criticized Syria's leaders for "not behaving in a wise manner" by allegedly aiding Iraqi insurgents.

Speaking after a speech yesterday in Beverly Hills, California, Rumsfeld said such behavior would ultimately be "harmful" to Syria itself.

In the early days after the 11 September 2001 attacks, the United States praised Syria for its cooperation in combating terrorism, but more recently cooperation with Syria has come to an end, with Washington accusing the government in Damascus of not doing enough to stop insurgents crossing into Iraq.

(Reuters)