Under Pressure, Syria Ends Economic Liberalization, Worsening Outlook

One of President Assad's rare progressive initiatives, an effort to open Syria's economy has come to a halt under domestic protests and international sanctions, threatening to add to the country's political woes

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Over the last two weeks, as forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad slaughtered protesters, provoking outrage across the globe, the European Union and White House announced sanctions against Assad and leading members of his regime.