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 Photo by Michel Lipchitz/AP |
In recent years, there has been no particular warmth between Damascus and Washington, with the U.S. including Syria on its list of states that formally sponsor terrorism, and Syria making no secret of its anti-American feelings. But Syria stood with the U.S. during the Gulf War and will probably continue trying to curry Washingtonšs favor. For President Bashar Assad, staying in control of this impoverished country is a full-time job, requiring the work of extensive security and intelligence forces. Assad is Alawite; his tribe represents less than 12% of Syriašs population. A popular revolution fueled by Islamic extremism could topple his dynasty. So far, however, hešs kept that fury in check. |
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POPULATION: 17 million
PERCENT MUSLIM:
PER CAPITA GDP: |
