New Stock Exchange Launched Amid Global Downturn
The move is Syria's latest effort to shift from a centralised socialist system to a social market economy.
24 Feb 09
Middle East
Syrian Hopes of Better US Ties Downplayed
Analysts say state-owned media has been spreading false hope about a sudden thaw in relations.
24 Feb 09
Growing Abuse of Foreign Domestic Workers
Lawyers say efforts by government to monitor unscrupulous recruitment agencies and employers have not proved very effective.
24 Feb 09
Campaigners Claim Child Labour Ban Ignored
While laws exist to prevent child labour, these are not enforced, say rights groups.
24 Feb 09
Kyrgyz Regions Soldier on Without Power
People in outlying areas come up with ingenious if dangerous solutions to energy shortages.
19 Feb 09
Voters Look Beyond Religion
Secularists’ promises of security, services and unity resonate with voters tired of overtly faith-based parties.
17 Feb 09
Minister of What?
Syrians may find it hard to put names to government ministers, but they know they don’t much care for them.
14 Feb 09
Damascus Predicts Harder Line From Israel
But some believe negotiations may resume despite rhetoric.
14 Feb 09
E-Government on Trial in Syria
Online systems should save time, but there is some resistance to change.
14 Feb 09
Syria's Economic Woes to Continue
Government needs to do more to counter the effects of global recession.
13 Feb 09
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