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Syria GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Government: Governmental system based on Permanent
Constitution of March 13, 1973. Theoretically, power divided into
executive, legislative, and judicial spheres, but all
institutions overshadowed by preeminence of president (reelected
February 10, 1985, in national referendum for seven-year term),
who was head of state, chief executive, and secretary of ruling
Baath (Arab Socialist Resurrection) Party. People's Council, 195-
member parliament, popularly elected in 1986 for term of four
years. Judiciary based on amalgam of Ottoman, French, and Islamic
laws and practices. Some legal rights abrogated under state of
martial law, in effect since 1963.
Politics: Baath Party--popular name for ruling party--
provided ideological rationale for Syrian socialism and panArabism . Directed by twenty-one-member Regional Command (top
national decision-making body of party) led by regional
secretary. Party allied in coalition with minor parties
(including communist) through framework of National Progressive
Front. Dominant aspect of political system pivotal role of
military as real source and guarantor of power.
Disproportionately significant role played by country's largest
minority, Alawis, who held many key positions in armed forces,
Baath Party, and government.
Administrative Divisions: Divided into thirteen
provinces, each consisting of capital, districts, and
subdistricts.
Foreign Affairs: Arab-Israeli conflict remained
paramount foreign policy concern, Syrian objective being to
secure withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied
territories, to restore sovereignty over Israeli-annexed Golan
Heights, and to ensure full political self-determination for
Palestinians. In attempting to resolve Arab-Israeli issue, Syria
seeks unilateral strategic and military parity with Israel to
negotiate from position of strength. Syria attempts to exert
regional dominance over its Arab neighbors, focusing on Lebanon,
which it has partially occupied since 1976.
Data as of April 1987
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