News Update 16 November 2008 Syrian choreographer burned to death Syria and Lebanon boost anti-terrorism coordination Assad expresses disapproval of Iraq-US security pact Syrian TV airs alleged bombers’ confessions Fatah-Hamas reconciliation talks cancelled Syrian filmmaker Mohammad Malas banned from overseas travel Kurdish protestors released from detention Palestinians protest against US raid Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemns ongoing excavations Activists Kilo and Issa not released

IN THIS MONTH’S EDITION Taming the Beast Efforts to reform Syria’s public sector administration have fallen behind other areas targeted by the government. Resistance from within government bodies is slowing the streamlining process Read...

Human Bargaining Chips A new initiative to encourage Iraqi refugees living in Syria to return home has come under fire from aid groups which say the programme places positive media coverage for security gains in Iraq over the welfare of individual refugees. Read...

Hitting the Catwalk Syrian fashion designers are beginning to make a name for themselves in the global fashion industry, yet they continue to receive little support from local clothing manufacturers and retailers. A proposed Fashion Designers Union hopes to change that. Read...

Dr Rateb Shallah Dr Rateb Shallah, chairman of the Damascus Securities Exchange Read...

Courting Controversy One-time blacklisted Syrian director Naila al-Atrash still refuses to shy away from controversy. Read...