[AP] Zeina Karam - Syria is transforming itself economically and is starkly different from the drab socialism of just a few years ago. Observers estimate foreign investment at nearly $800 million in 2007, up 30%. Shoppers swarm three recently opened, Western-style malls. Boutiques have sprouted up selling Western designer clothes and shoes costing up to three times the monthly salary of an average Syrian. For now, at least, Syria is following a model resembling China's: Crack down on political dissent, liberate the economy and try to manage the growing gap between rich and poor. The openness so far has been confined to the economy. Dozens of government critics are languishing in prison.
2008-09-11 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive