Israel's northern neighbors are monitoring closely Israel's nationwide drill and Syria was quick to respond: In the coming days Damascus intends to launch a drill on a similar scale. According to the Syrian media, the aim is to examine the general readiness of the nation. At the recent Syrian cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Naji El Atari presented the protocol for the planned drill, including preparing for the scenario of a missile attack on Damascus. The Syrian Defense Minister General Hassan Turkmani emphasized the importance of such exercises saying it will also examine the ability of all the government institutions to operate in cases of emergency.09/04/08