Contemporary Syria: Liberalization Between Cold War and Cold Peace

While Ba'thi Syria is often considered the last bastion of Arab socialism, Asad's regime has introduced sweeping economic change over the last decade. Gradual and discreet in the mid-1980's, economic reform quickly gained momentum. The easing of political repression and Syria's participation in the Arab-Israeli peace process have also been highly significant. Through analyzing the complex relationship between processes of economic and political liberalization in the domestic arena - and their repercussions internationally - the contributors to the book develop possible scenarios of the future development of Syria and its role in the Middle East.

Introduction - liberalization between Cold War and cold peace, Eberhard Kienle. Part I Economic reform - realities and tendencies: Investment Law No. 10 - which future for the private sector?, Sylvia Polling; the crisis of 1986 and Syria's plan for reform, Nabil Sukkar. Part II Elements and prospects of political change: stages of economic and political liberalization, Volker Perthes; the Syrian business community, its politics and prospects, Joseph Bahout; al-dimuqratiyya hiyya al-hall? the Syrian opposition at the end of the Asad era, Hans Gunter Lobmeyer; liberalization in Syria - the struggle of economic and political rationality, Raymond A. Hinnebusch; the return of politics? scenarios for Syria's second Infitah, Eberhard Kienle. Part III International implications: Syria after Ta'if - Lebanon and the Lebanese in Syrian politics, Fida Nasrallah; domestic pressures and the peace process - fillip or hindrance?, Fred H. Lawson.