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PER CAPITA GDP $3,500
SYRIA
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 Washington's 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 Syria's population. A popular revolution fueled by Islamic extremism could topple his dynasty. So far, however, he's kept that fury in check.
POPULATION 17 million
PERCENT MUSLIM 74 %
PER CAPITA GDP $3,100
IRAN
In a world of unprecedented alliances, Tehran and Washington could find themselves getting cozy. Iran's Shi'ite Muslims despise the Taliban's Sunnis, and would like nothing more than to see Afghanistan's rulers removed without having to spill Iranian blood. The old hatred between the U.S. and Iran has grown tired, and both have been looking for ways to establish better ties without losing face. A U.S. war against the Taliban could help President Mohammed Khatami restore relations without looking as if Iran had come begging. But the price for friendship could be high: Tehran may have to agree to dismantle its terrorist networks, and will have to learn to live without hatred of the great U.S. Satan as a rallying cry.
POPULATION 66 million
PERCENT MUSLIM 99%
PER CAPITA GDP $6,300
IRAQ
Baghdad set a particularly nasty tone when Iraq became the only country to publicly applaud the attacks in the U.S. Stories swirled that Iraqi intelligence might have been involved, but so far nothing has been proved. Saddam Hussein will win this time only if the U.S. loses. No friend of Muslim extremists, Hussein has repeatedly attacked groups in his country. If U.S. actions against bin Laden lead to an Arab backlash against Washington, Iraq could help lead it, perhaps building better ties with Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the process. But if the U.S. succeeds in the main event in Afghanistan, the already deployed military may decide to turn west and clean up some unfinished business in Iraq.
POPULATION 23 million
PERCENT MUSLIM 97%
PER CAPITA GDP $2,500