March 2010Issue No. 59
Changing Seasons
Agriculture was born on the fertile plains of Syria. Today, it remains a key economic pillar, representing around 20 percent of the country's GDP and 19 percent of its workforce. However, drought and the easing of fuel subsidies are taking a heavy toll on farmers. In this month's Focus section, Syria Today looks at the world's oldest agricultural sector and the hardship facing those toiling in it.
Focus on: Tourism
Incredible India. Malaysia, truly Asia. Nothing compares to Egypt. And Syria? As tourism emerges as a key pillar in the country’s post-oil economy, Syria Today looks at the tourism industry and the Syrian brand. Or rather the lack of one. While advertising on tourism has risen significantly in recent years, Syria lacks a clear brand – a set of images, moods, expectations and feelings created among potential foreign visitors. More than simply drawing in visitors from around the globe, a focused branding strategy could help lift Syria’s profile on the international stage, challenging the negative media-driven images foreigners all too often associate with the country and the region in general.
The New Road to Damascus
Branding Syria
More Than Just Islam and Spices
Good Things Come in Small Packages
Q&A: Ali Esmaiel
Chief executive officer of the Aga Khan Cultural Services in Syria
Cradle of Christianity
Syria considers nuclear energy: Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad said it was "important" for Damascus to consider a civilian nuclear energy programme.
Syria mulls renewed Turkey-brokered peace talks: President Bashar al-Assad and visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu discussed the prospects of resuming indirect talks between Syria and Israel.
Iraqi refugees vote in Syria: Twenty-three stations set up in Syria for the Iraqi election.
Iraqi VP in Damascus: Iraqi Vice President has arrived in Damascus for a 3-day visit ahead of the March 7 elections.
Iran and Syria warn of colonialism: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said US policy on Iran was a new form of colonialism in the Middle East during his meeting with the Iranian president.
US lifts travel advisory: US lifts travel advisory warning citizens about security concerns in Syria.
Syria dismisses IAEA calls: Syria has dismissed an IAEA recommendation to allow its inspectors unrestrained access, days after the agency said a bombed Syrian complex could have been a nuclear site.
French PM visits Damascus: French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said he held "frank and direct" talks with Syria's president on the issue of human rights.
Possible nuclear activity at bombed site: Uranium particles found at a Syrian desert complex bombed by Israel in 2007 point to possible covert nuclear activity at the site, the IAEA said.
Top US officials visit Syria: Syrian president meets with Under Secretary of State William Burns while senior US counter terrorism official Daniel Benjamin holds talks with local counterparts.
Turkey and Iraq restart rail link:The first passenger train from Iraq, running through Syria and into Turkey, arrives in Gaziantep.
Syria approves US ambassador: Deputy US ambassador to Iraq Robert Stephen Ford to take up post.
The word is out: Syria is the new ‘it’ travel destination.
