Syria

With Kurds in neighbouring Iraq enjoying unprecedented levels of political power, the need to address Syria's own Kurdish question is more pressing than ever.

The establishment's attitude to Syria's restive Kurds is inconsistent. While pragmatic forces within the regime favour compromise, other nationalist elements oppose any concessions... 2005-09-30

The assassination of former Lebanese president Rafik al-Hariri, and the widespread assumption of Syrian involvement, have resulted in uncertainty about the future of both Lebanon... 2005-07-12

The first Baath Party national congress since 2000 was held in Damascus in June. The conference sanctioned some moderate but significant changes, including moves to allow limited... 2005-07-12

We are forecasting growth of 3% in 2005, before the economy reverts to trend with 2.5% expansion in 2006. Reforms such as privatisation and trade liberalisation could act as a catalyst... 2005-07-12

We anticipate 3% real GDP growth in 2005, followed by 2.5% growth in 2006. Regional developments continue to pose the main risks to these forecasts. A possible deterioration in the... 2005-06-17

Hopes of substantial domestic reforms were raised with the announcement of a Baath Party congress in June, the first such conference since 2000, although the government has since... 2005-06-09

The new Iraqi prime minister has said he will visit Syria to discuss border security.

In spite of the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon, the Syrian regime remains under pressure, both at home and abroad. BMI View: It is likely that the forthcoming Baath Party... 2005-06-06

Oil prices and Iraq both pose key risks to our core scenario of 3% growth in 2005 and 2.5% growth in 2006 and 2007. The resumption of trade with Iraq has played an important role... 2005-04-12