- StrategyPage
The war on terror has made smuggling a major target of counter-terrorism efforts. Smuggling is an ancient enterprise, and exists because countries impose taxes on what is imported. Smugglers also move illegal merchandise. Heroin and cocaine, for example, as well as weapons and explosives. Smugglers have also been caught moving terrorists themselves. Anti-smuggling efforts have usually been left to police organizations, often outfits associated with cracking down on other forms of tax evasion. But with the terrorism angle, the military and intelligence agencies are getting involved. This has scared away a lot of the independent, small time, smugglers, and made the state sponsored ones the targets of more attention. As an example, take Al-Fahel Shipping. This is a Syrian company (http://www.fahel-shipping.com/) with a reputation for shady dealing. That made it worth keeping an eye on.  More ...

Hat tip - TheCounterTerrorismBlog

Other Syrian-related reading: 

The Syrian intelligence service is sending a clear message to the fractious Lebanese that violence and uncertainty will be the rule if Syrian security forces are not in place throughout the country. Lebanon lacks an effective Army capable of taking control of the Hezbollah forces in place, who are protecting the Shia population. and uncertainty will be the rule if Syrian security forces are not in place throughout the country. 
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Our friends the Syrians wouldn't even think of collaborating with terrorist groups in an attempt to make their presence in Lebanon appear to be a necessity, would they?