HERE is the first hint that Syria is the next target in Bush's invasion sights. Excerpt:

"WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld issued a stern warning to Syria on Friday to stop sending military equipment to Iraqi forces, saying such shipments have included night-vision goggles.

``We consider such trafficking as hostile acts and will hold the Syrian government accountable for such shipments,'' Rumsfeld said at a Pentagon briefing.

``There's no question but that to the extent that military supplies or equipment or people are moving across the borders between Iraq and Syria, it vastly complicates our situation,'' Rumsfeld said.

Asked if the United States was threatening military action against Syria, Rumsfeld said: ``I'm saying exactly what I'm saying. It was carefully phrased.''