Syria Introduction - 2005

Background:
Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, Syria was administered by the French until independence in 1946. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel. Since 1976, Syrian troops have been stationed in Lebanon, ostensibly in a peacekeeping capacity, despite international pressure calling for their withdrawal. Over the past decade, Syria and Israel have held occasional peace talks over the return of the Golan Heights.

NOTE: The information regarding Syria on this page is re-published from the 2005 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Syria Introduction 2005 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Syria Introduction 2005 should be addressed to the CIA.