Book Review: A Syrian tale of survival
Diana Darke paints a broad picture of Syria, past and present, identifying the nation’s complex character and its remarkable endurance capacity
On 15 June 1974, The New York Times reported the arrival of President Richard Nixon in Damascus. He was given a "large, friendly welcome, and for the first time since the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the American flag flew in this ancient capital of Syria." The visit took place during a rare era of rapprochement between Syria and the West. The door was even opened to international oil companies—including US firms—following the discovery of the Karatchok oilfield and the completion of a pipeline linking it to the Homs refinery. But President Hafez al-Assad's flirtation with the West was brief. It came to an abrupt end after Egyptian President Sadat's ground-breaking visit to Jerusalem in 1977 an
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
