Syria's Elections - One Small Step

Syria's upcoming parliamentary elections are regarded by most outside observers as a small step forward for the country, despite the fact that several major opposition groups have called for a boycott. Indeed, the opposition boycott is the small step forward. Although Syrians are not likely to enjoy the freedom to choose their own political representatives anytime soon, they have been granted the freedom to complain about not having this freedom. The National Progressive Front, which consists of Syrian President Bashar Assad's ruling Baath Party and six smaller pro-government parties, is guaranteed 127 of the 250 seats up for grabs in the elections, to be held during the first week of March.

Bulgaria Cracks Down on Syrian Arms Shipments to Iraq

On February 20, Bulgaria appointed Kircho Kirov, 52, to replace intelligence chief Dimo Gyaurov, who had been blamed for failing to prevent the illegal export of military hardware to Iraq via Syria. In November 2002, Bulgarian media reported that Syria was selling parts for armored vehicles built by the state weapons factory Terem to Iraq. The scandal led to the firing of two Terem officials for "violations in foreign trade." Eastern Europe has been the source of most arms smuggled to Iraq by Syria during the last few years.