ABSTRACT
Syria's confrontation with Israel, particularly its emphasis on the concept of achieving strategic parity with it, continued to be the main item on Syria's political agenda. Dealing with the economic crisis was the regime's top priority in 1987. The rapidly deteriorating economic situation led to changes in the internal composition of the government and then to the formation of a government. The crisis affected the everyday life of ordinary Syrians. Electricity demands spiraled because of rapid industrialization and an ambitious electrification program that aimed to provide power by 1990 to all 5,400 villages with more than 100 residents. Electric power was just one of the basic commodities in short supply. Critical editorials, research reports, and citizens' letters filled the pages of Syria's newspapers. The newspapers also carried daily stories on ships arriving at Syrian ports with basic commodities and foodstuffs. The budget reemphasized Syria's intention to increase the role of private enterprise.
