Bush proposes military aid to Iran, Syria

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States wants to provide military aid to Iran and Syria to woo them to a Washington-led coalition against terrorism.

President George Bush has asked Congress to lift restrictions on the provision of military aid and weapons to those on the State Department list of terrorist sponsors. The list contains such countries as Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, North Korea and Yemen.

The waiver would last for five years and allow the administration to provide military aid to any country, regardless of its record on terrorism or human rights. The Bush administration is said to believe that Iran and Syria will be crucial in any coalition against Saudi billionaire fugitive Osama Bin Laden.

Currently, Bush is prohibited by U.S. law from providing military aid to the so-called rogue states. Both Iran and Syria have rejected joining a U.S.-led coalition and, instead, have called for a United Nations effort against terrorism.

The Bush effort comes as the administration has sent Iran a message that appeals for its support in the fight against terrorism. Such a message is being delivered by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw during his visit to Teheran.

On Saturday, the United States lifted sanctions from India and Pakistan. The sanctions were imposed in 1998 after both countries detonated nuclear bombs.

Congressional sources acknowledged the administration's effort to lift military sanctions against Iran and Syria. They said congressional leaders have requested to meet with the White House for clarification. The waiver must be obtained through congressional legislation.

"We all want to be helpful, and I will listen to what they have in mind," Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy told the Washington Post on Monday. "But we also want to be convinced that what is being proposed is sound, measured and necessary and not merely impulsive."