US pulls ambassador Robert Ford out of Syria over security concerns

Officials say Ford – who angered Syrian regime over his support for anti-Assad protesters – had been threatened with his life The US has withdrawn its ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, over fears for his safety after an intimidation campaign against him, American officials have said. They said there had been credible threats against his life and accused the Syrian government of failing to protect him and of being behind a campaign of incitement. Ford, who is back in Washington after leaving Damascus at the weekend, angered the Syrian government by aligning himself with anti-regime protesters. Defying a travel ban on diplomats travelling outside Damascus, Ford made high-profile visits to locations at the centre of opposition to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, and spoke to leaders of the protests. His withdrawal adds to tensions between Damascus and Washington, which has called on on Assad to step down and to stop using violence against peaceful protesters. Speculation has grown since the death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi that Syria might be the next target for western intervention, though Obama administration officials have so far denied it. The state department stressed that Ford’s return did not amount to a formal breakdown in relations and that Ford’s deputy, Haynes Mahoney, would remain in Damascus and carry out Ford’s duties. Mark Toner, the US state department spokesman, accused Syria of incitement. “At this point, we can’t say when he [Ford] will return to Syria,” Toner said. He said it would depend on “our assessment of Syrian regime-led incitement and the security situation on the ground.” Toner continued: “Ambassador Ford was brought back to Washington as a result of credible threats against his personal safety. “We hope that the Syrian regime will end its incitement campaign against Ambassador Ford. [His] presence is a benefit to our mission in Syria, as he has worked diligently to deliver our message and be our eyes on the ground. This decision was based solely on the need to ensure his safety, a matter we take extremely seriously.” Relations between the US and Syria have been strained for decades and the Syrian government is branded by the US as a state sponsor of terrorism. Barack Obama, on becoming president in January 2009, made various peace overtures to Assad. Vice-president Joe Biden fuelled speculation over intervention in Syria by saying the military model used in Libya – which involved US air power in support of rebels on the ground backed by French and British special forces – could be used elsewhere. The US had recalled its ambassador to Syria in 2005 in protest at the alleged involvement of Damascus in the assassination of the Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri. Ford’s arrival in Damascus coincided with the US push to improve relations. But relations have worsened as Assad opted for a violent crackdown on protesters. Ford has established himself as outspoken in support of the demonstrators, and had been cheered when he visited Hama, the centre of the revolt, in the summer, which angered the Syrian government. Ford also went with other western ambassadors to pay respect to the family of a protest leader who died after allegedly being tortured. Last month, Ford’s convoy was targeted by pro-government protesters as he headed for a meeting with opposition leaders. An attempt was also made to break into the meeting. Ford has been repeatedly criticised by the state-run media. The decision to leave on Saturday came after the appearance of more articles critical of him. US foreign policy Syria Arab and Middle East unrest United States Protest Middle East Ewen MacAskill guardian.co.uk

Posted by on October 24, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.