Al-Rafidayn reports that the United States has confirmed its public and open support of groups opposed to the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. President Bush is "very proud" of the Lebanese Prime Minister for his firm position toward Syria and Hizbullah. However, the two U.S. Senators, John Kerry and Chris Dodd, who met with Bashar Al-Assad Wednesday, said they they will seek to inform the American people about the Syrian President's willingness to search for common ground.

Poland has agreed to extend the posting of its military contingency in Iraq for another year. The Polish Prime Minister who is visiting Iraq, has also offered his assistance for providing training and equipment to the Iraqi armed forces

Source: Al-Rafidayn (12/21/06)