June 2009Issue No. 50
Unity, Freedom and Socialism
Syria has officially adopted a social market economy. So how does this fit in with the ruling Ba’ath Party’s socialist ideology?
Retail TherapyThe amount of dedicated shopping mall space in Syria has doubled in the past 12 months, changing the face of the country’s retail sector.
Hear No EvilThe move to cancel the final performance of a controversial play by one of Syria’s greatest literary figures has angered the country’s arts community.
It’s a Kind of MagicMystics – quasi-psychic, self-professed religious figures who some people believe can heal illnesses, solve financial woes and even put curses on enemies and lovers alike – have a controversial status in Syria. So are they for real?
Mekta signs power plant deal: Greek engineering firm Mekta has signed-off on a deal worth EUR 640m to build a natural gas-fired power plant.
US to return ambassador: The US government will send an ambassador to Syria after a four-year hiatus.
Syria sets terms for cooperation UN court: Syria is ready to cooperate with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, but only under set "conditions".
Abbas in Damascus: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed on Saturday efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Assad visits Armenia: President Bashar al-Assad said the strategic position of Syria and Armenia makes them obligatory passages for the oil and gas between Asia and Europe during a visit to the country.
Syrian criticises Netanyahu speech: Syrian state media has likened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for Palestine as reminiscent of arpethied in South Africa.
Less foreign fighters in Iraq: Iraq has seen a significant fall in the number of foreign fighters arriving to battle U.S. and local forces.
Syria crucial to peace: The US Middle East envoy George Mitchell has said Syria has an integral role to play in efforts to reach a peace deal in the region.
Carter in Syria: Former US president Jimmy Carter held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem on Wednesday ahead of a first visit to Damascus by US Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell.
Syria satisfied with Lebanese elections: Presidential Political and Media Adviser Bouthaina Shaaban has expressed "Syria's satisfaction over the safe and stable course of the elections."
Emergency declared in drought hit north-east: Syria on Monday adopted emergency measures, including food distribution, to help people in the drought-hit northeast of the country, the official Sana news agency said.
