U.S. facing diverse security challenges

[ProSense]

U.S. facing diverse security challenges

By TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writer
3 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration is confronting security troubles on multiple fronts: a deadly spike in violence in Afghanistan, a terror attack in Syria and a deteriorating situation in western Iraq.

The outbreaks brought fresh White House defenses of its counterterrorism policies, and new criticism from Democrats.

Snip...

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also praised the work of Syrian security agents in repelling the attack. "I do think that the Syrians reacted to this attack in a way that helped to secure our people, and we very much appreciate that," Rice said at a news conference in Nova Scotia.

Islamic militants tried to storm the embassy using automatic rifles, hand grenades and a van rigged with explosives, the Syrian government said. Four people were killed in the attack, including three of the assailants, but no Americans. An al-Qaida offshoot group was suspected.

Meanwhile, Afghan forces killed 12 suspected Taliban militants in fierce fighting in southern Afghanistan while more than 40 suspected insurgents were detained as security forces fought back against a surge in violence.

Several southern provinces of Afghanistan are gripped by the deadliest spate of fighting since U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks for harboring al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The scope of insurgency has prompted NATO commanders to ask for more troops.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060913/ap_on_go_pr_wh/security_struggle_5

Wed Sep 13, 9:30 AM ET
Graphic showing the principal attacks against US diplomatic missions around the world, not including Iraq, since 1998.(AFP/Graphic/Laurence Saubadu)

Note: from 1999 to 2001, no attacks!