ABSTRACT
The dilemma which Syrian planners face is to trade off quality of education against an expansion of education quantitatively. The Syrian budget has depended for some years on revenues accruing from dues payable by Iraq and Saudi Arabia for oil transiting Syria in pipelines to Mediterranean terminals. Syrians have, since the beginning of this century, travelled extensively abroad. The French left the legacy of their language, which facilitated Syrian emigration. Like the Lebanese, Syrians have emigrated to South America, Canada, Francophone West Africa, Europe, and of course within the Middle East. Syrian revenue from oil transit has plummeted and foreign aid reduced considerably. While this might help stabilise inflation, falling revenue will prejudice the completion of development projects. In the longer term, the development of economic ties and land communication with the Iraqi market gives Syrian economic prospects a brighter look.
