ABSTRACT
In the Arab system, the Syrian-Iraqi-Iranian triangle continued to be a source of problems for Syria. Syrian politics continued to be dominated domestically by the ongoing struggle within the Ba'th regime and the rapidly deteriorating economic situation. The issue of terrorism led to crises in Syria's relationships with Western countries, particularly Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the US. The collapse of oil prices greatly damaged the economy since crude oil constituted over 60 per cent of Syria's exports. The Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, the Lebanese situation, and Israel's nuclear capability continued to be top Syrian priorities during 1986. Terrorism became a new source of tension between Syria and Israel as direct Syrian involvement in anti-Israeli operations threatened to unleash actual hostilities. Syrian apprehension regarding Israeli rhetoric was exacerbated by increasing feelings of isolation in Syria, the existence of pressing domestic difficulties, and mounting external threats, particularly the possibility of American-Israeli collaboration against the State.
