ARE YOU LISTENING, SYRIA?

In what sounded like a warning, Mr. Burns told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Syria harbors "either the illusion that cosmetic steps will be enough to defuse our concerns" or "a misplaced belief...that U.S. engagement in Iraq and with the Israelis and the Palestinians will prevent us from pursuing a robust agenda with Syria."

Thus far, the administration has yet to explain whether a "robust agenda" might include military action against Syria's boy dictator. But, should Syria continue to refuse to seal its border, and American and innocent Iraqi casualties in the Sunni Triangle area, in particular, continue to rise, Washington's patience may finally run out.