First the Bush administration secretly opposes peace talks between Israel and Syria. Now, the AP's Barry Schweid reports America is withdrawing it's Ambassador to Syria. What's next?

The United States has recalled its ambassador to Syria amid rising tensions over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri of Lebanon.

Before departing, U.S. Ambassador Margaret Scobey delivered a stern note, called a demarche in diplomatic parlance, to the Syrian government, said an official who discussed the situation only on grounds of anonymity.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, announcing the move, said it reflected the Bush administration's "profound outrage" over Hariri's assassination.

Boucher did not accuse Syria of being involved in the bombing Monday in Beirut. "I have been careful to say we do not know who committed the murder at this time," he said.

But he said the deadly attack illustrated that Syria's strong military and political presence in Lebanon was a problem and had not provided security in the neighboring country.

Will Americans stand for another Middle East war should the Bushies push for one? Syria would most likely be a less formidable opponent than Iran, though much more difficult than Iraq. All I know is that I wouldn't fancy being drafted.