Crime Wave In Northeast

Deir al-Zor in northeastern Syria is struggling with violent and drug-related crimes because of high unemployment and a weak economy, the pro-government Al-Nur weekly newspaper reported on July 2.



The newspaper, issued by the Syrian Communist Party, reported that kidnapping, the use of weapons and illegal drugs were widespread.



The paper blamed rising crime on unemployment. Most of the jobs in the area are in agriculture or government service.



The article said Deir al-Zor residents were living in fear and the government had done little to improve security. It called for an increased police presence, particularly to protect women.



Al-Nur warned that if the government failed to bring crime under control, "people will be forced to protect themselves, which would be extremely dangerous as it would mean the law being disregarded".