Syria Today's New Issue

Syria Today is full of interesting stories this month. This is the third issue of the new Magazine put out in Syria in English. It is the only thing of its kind and offers in-depth analysis on many reform issues - particularly economic. Unlike "The Syria Report", run by Jihad Hijazi which also offers high quality articles and analysis to the business community, Syria Today comes at a modest price and so far all its issues are placed on the web several weeks after they appear in hardcover. Congratulations to the Syria Today team.

Andrew Tabler's article, "Balancing Act: Private Banking in Syria," was of particular interest to me because it explains the difficulties in opening up private banks here, which is at the center of the economic reform program. All the same, as BBSF's Hchaime advises his new competitors to remain upbeat. “Our friends in Beirut were waiting to see if we would burn our fingers or not,” said Hchaime. “Despite its problems, this is a profitable and promising market…. We were right to enter when we did.” Many new banks are lining up to get into Syria.

This is the table of contents:

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Nabil Sukkar : Threats and Opportunities

INTERVIEWS
Getting a foothold: Syria Today talks to Nabil Hchaime, General Manager of Banque Bemo Saudi Fransi

Private banks : Syria Today talks to Mohammad al Hussein, Minister of Finance

PERSPECTIVES
Can private sector performance improve through the expansion of private banking? Bassel Hamwi, Advisor to the CEO at Banque Audi SAL, ponders the future.

Risky business : Abdulkader Husrieh believes the success of banking reform hinges on implementing proper risk management procedures.

A Giant Stride into the Unknown: Iraqi elections

Turning Swords into T-Shirts: Syria-Turkey relations

Balancing Act: Private Banking in Syria

Serving the Nation : Military Service

Taking Aim : Hunting & Protecting Wildlife

Building bridges : Hewar Music Group