August 2010Issue No. 64
Iraqi powerbrokers sit down in Damascus as Turkish FM drops in
Damascus served as neutral ground last month for a flurry of diplomatic activity involving the Syrian president, Iraqi powerbrokers Muqtada al-Sadr and Ayad Allawi and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
New departments established at seven public universities
A presidential decree on July 8 established new departments at seven universities throughout Syria. The programmes will begin in September.
Syria-Lebanon rapprochement continues with third Damascus meeting
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited Damascus on July 18 for the third time since taking office in November 2009.
President Assad tours Latin America
President Bashar al-Assad made his first multi-country visit to Latin America in late June and early July, stopping to meet leaders in Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina.
Planner of Munich attack dies in Damascus
Mohammed Oudeh, the Palestinian militant famous for planning the Munich Olympics attacks in 1972, died in Damascus on July 3.
Syrian child wins international art competition
The European Commission announced on July 15 that Mohammad Izzo, 10, a primary-school student at Zeinab Al-Hilalieh School in Damascus, was one of 14 winners of its international art competition.
Water shortage endangers Syria's future
Syria is one of 10 countries at "extreme risk" of future water shortages because of limited access to clean, fresh water, according to an index assessing water security risk released by UK consulting firm Maplecroft last month.
Four months in, what are the effects of the smoking ban?
The government rolled out a ban on smoking in restaurants and cafes in April. Syria Today hit the streets of Damascus to find out how the smoking ban has impacted people's lives.
Local News
Syria home to world's largest sweets platter The Guinness World Records has listed a mosaic made of oriental sweets in Syria as the world's largest such creation, the privately-owned website Shukumaku reported on July 15.
Free Zone revenues up SYP 300m (USD 6.4m) over last year: Revenue figures released for the industrial districts from the first six months of 2010.
Eleventh five-year plan focused on investments: PM Otri said the plan includes investment projects valued at SYP 4bn (USD 85m) with a special focus on Dier ez-Zor governorate.
Campaign to preserve oral heritage announced: The ministry of culture's folklore department will document Syria's story-telling tradition.
Oxford Business Group report released: The study of Syria's economy looks at the role of public-private partnerships in the oil industry and key transport projects.
Emirates Telecom Corp. bids to become Syria's third mobile carrier: The company is the bigger of two mobile operators in the UAE.
New law reorganises telecoms: The sector now contributes to 5 percent of GDP.
Man age 125 dies in Hassakeh: He left behind 187 children and grandchildren.
Homs archaeologocal find proves link between Mesopotamia, Mediterranean and Nile Valley: The dig indicates that the Katana Kingdom had important international-trade ties.
Third mobile phone operater to enter the market: The firm will join carriers Syriatel and MTN Syria.
Regional Special Olympics to be hosted in Syria: 2,500 athletes from 23 countries will participate in the games.
Authorities confiscate drugs: About two million illegal pills were smuggled into Syria from Lebanon.
Venezuela defends flights to Syria: The US c riticised the flights between Caracas, Damascus and Tehran.
Syrian and Iranian officials meet in Tehran: Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs Abdullah al-Dardari led the delegation.
Ancient coins confiscated in Hama: Police uncovered the 245 coins in an abandoned car.
Tourist visits up in 2010: The figure increased 56 percent during the first seven months of the year.
Damascus served as neutral ground last month for a flurry of diplomatic activity involving the Syrian president, Iraqi powerbrokers Muqtada al-Sadr and Ayad Allawi and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited Damascus on July 18 for the third time since taking office in November 2009.
President Bashar al-Assad made his first multi-country visit to Latin America in late June and early July, stopping to meet leaders in Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Argentina.
Mohammed Oudeh, the Palestinian militant famous for planning the Munich Olympics attacks in 1972, died in Damascus on July 3.
The European Commission announced on July 15 that Mohammad Izzo, 10, a primary-school student at Zeinab Al-Hilalieh School in Damascus, was one of 14 winners of its international art competition.
The government rolled out a ban on smoking in restaurants and cafes in April. 
