- The Syrian Arab Armed Forces (SAAF; Arabic: القوات المسلحة العربية السورية, romanized: al-Quwwāt al-Musallaḥah al-ʿArabīyah as-Sūrīyah) are the military forces of the Syrian Arab Republic. They consist of the Syrian Army, Syrian Air Force, Syrian Navy, Syrian Air Defense Force, and paramilitary forces, such as the National Defence Forces. According to the Constitution of Syria, the President of Syria is the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. Minister of Defense holds the position of Deputy Commander-in-chief of the Army and Armed Forces.
- Olivine Bridge Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov)
This one-of-a-kind site, with its unique geologic formation, represents an example of native vegetation on serpentine soils at low elevations in the western Cascades. Ultramafic rocks such as serpentine (an olive-green, heavy rock) are high in certain minerals such as iron and magnesium, and weather to produce harsh, relatively sterile soils. These soils are typically inhabited by a relatively small number of plant species, some of them specially evolved, that can tolerate these conditions. Dwarfed trees, junipers and serpentine ferns highlight the odd plants, which persist at Olivine Bridge NAP. The 148 acre preserve also supports a mixed conifer forest.