Sealing Syria's desolate border

Iraqi border posts are routinely attacked by insurgents. Many of the positions have been abandoned by their Iraqi defenders and burned down. Syrian officials say they are doing what they can to secure the border but insist it is impossible to block all infiltrators.

"Committees have been set up with Iraq to address this issue. We are playing a constructive role toward the stability and security of Iraq. Iraq's stability is in our interest," says Mehdi Dakhlallah, Syria's information minister.

As well as tightening border security, Syrian authorities appear to be cracking down on Islamists connected to the insurgency in Iraq. Sixteen Sunni clerics were arrested two weeks ago for mobilizing recruits. Several Islamist fighters who fought in Iraq and returned home have been arrested.

Conservative Sunni clerics continue to condemn American policy in Iraq, but are careful not to be seen encouraging volunteers for the insurgency. "I am stopping people going to Iraq because the situation is chaotic," says Sheikh Wehbi Zuleimi, an expert in Islamic jurisprudence. "I cannot issue a fatwa [religious edict] for people to fight in an atmosphere of chaos."

Normally jammed with a long lines of vehicles, this desolate border crossing was closed six weeks ago prior to the US military assault on Fallujah.

"Our side of the border is open 24 hours a day, but the Americans turn everyone back," says Colonel Shammar.

Rahil Ibrahim, an Iraqi from the border town of Al-Qaim, has spent the past six weeks trying to return home. "I can't see any Americans on the other side to talk to, but the Syrians tell me if I try to cross, the Americans will shoot me."

When does the colonel think the border will reopen? "It's up to God and up to them," he says, pointing at the American soldiers.

The US base regularly comes under mortar and rocket fire from Iraqi rebels. US soldiers often respond by sweeping the area with machine-gun fire, including the Syrian side of the border.

A corner of the customs building facing the American base is peppered with bullet holes. "The Americans fire randomly," says Shammar. "Their bullets once set fire to our kitchen."

Sometimes rockets fly over the American position and explode on the Syrian side of the border. One mortar round impacted beside the customs building. Another blew apart a section of the roof.

The tiny farming hamlet of Hari lies next to the border crossing. Hassan Qabbor points to the spot on the roof of his home where his 16-year-old son, Mari, was killed seven months ago. "He was fetching water from the tank when the Americans shot him," he says.

Mr. Qabbor says that the fatal shots were fired from a watchtower manned by US soldiers. His claims - which could not be verified - have resulted in a lawsuit against the US government in a Damascus court.

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