"The US has backed the government of Fouad Siniora, the prime minister, saying the army operation in northern Lebanon was legitimate. "Extremists that are trying to topple that young democracy need to be reined in," President George Bush told the Reuters news agency. But Mr Bush, though deeply distrustful of Syria's role in Lebanon, stopped short of accusing Damascus of involvement. "I'll be guarded on making accusations until I get better information, but I will tell you there's no doubt that Syria was deeply involved in Lebanon. There's no question they're still involved," he said." (As is well-known, the US is not involved.)