News

Duplication

Original version

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

Crossing Continents

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: Travel

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 LW

Crossing Continents: Syrian corruption

Factual

Syrian corruption

30/12/2010

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Syrian corruption

Lina Sinjab investigates the impact of corruption and bribery in Syria.

From a small tip for a government worker to huge bribes to seal a business deal, Lina Sinjab investigates the impact of corruption in Syria.

Corruption in Syria is commonplace. You can see it almost everywhere you go: from a small tip for a government worker to process paperwork, to customs officials requiring payments to allow goods into the country. The single-party government says it's stamping out corruption and that it's determined not to let it stand in the way of the country's economic development. But with economic reforms opening Syria up to foreign investment, it's claimed corruption is getting worse. And those who raise the issue in public can find themselves thrown in jail. 

The BBC's Damascus correspondent Lina Sinjab investigates the impact of corruption and bribery in the country, and looks at whether Syria's drive to modernise is being hampered by the millions of dollars lost in graft.

Producer: Duncan Crawford.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Crossing Continents

Syrian corruption

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service