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Pelosi tours Syria despite White House criticism

Two Syrian security men escort U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a popular market in downtown Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
The Spokesman-Review
Two Syrian security men escort U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a popular market in downtown Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

DAMASCUS, Syria – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mingled with Syrians in a market and made the sign of the cross at a Christian tomb Tuesday in a visit to hard-line Syria that was criticized by President Bush.

Pelosi’s visit to Syria was the latest challenge to the White House by congressional Democrats, who are taking a more assertive role in influencing policy in the Middle East and the Iraq war. The Bush administration has resisted calls for direct talks to help ease the crisis in Iraq and make progress in the Israel-Palestinian peace process.

Associated Press