Syria Cracks Open it's Frail Economy

This article explains the recent rapid opening of Syria's economy. Once viewed as a "rigid socialist economy", new economic opportunities are becoming available for Syrians. These include the use of private banks, and the permission to hold foreign currency. In addition, the country's first stock exchange opened in March.

These changes have affected U.S. relations positively, and the U.S. hopes that ties with Iran will be weakened. However, this relationship with Iran has also casted doubts, amongst other factors.