US weighing military options against Syria

The United States is hardening its policy towards Syria over the infiltration of insurgents into Iraq, according to a top intelligence source.

The State Department's spokesman, Richard Boucher said on Wednesday: "We continue to press the Syrian Government to stop the use of its territory as a base for jihadis as well as opposition elements."

A senior intelligence source confirmed that the US administration was currently conducting high-level talks over Syria. The discussions are focused on a policy shift.

The officials are also discussing possible operational scenarios in the event the US administration decides "the time has come for military action against the regime in Damascus", according to the source.

The source said that at issue is whether any US military strike should be confined to a few targets, or a broad campaign to change the government.

Said Arikat is an Arab journalist based in Washington