PART NINE. 



THE ECONOMIC FUTURE OF SYRIA. 



Syria suffers in comparison with other Mediterranean coun- 

 tries in lacking metals and coal, in possessing a large percentage of 

 mountains and arid land, and in being isolated by high mountains 

 to the north and by steppes and desert to the east and south. How- 

 ever, it also has advantages, the principal ones being: 



(1.) Its long coast line (435 mi.) ; 



(2.) The intelligence of the urban population, especially in 

 the coastal zone, and the robustness of the rural population; 



(3.) The plentiful water supply in the coastal zone and -in the 

 longitudinal valleys; 



(4.) The unusual fertility of certain grain growing districts, 

 especially Hauran; 



(5.) The interest of all humanity in the "holy places" in 

 Palestine. If these advantages are properly utilized the following 

 results may be achieved in the near future: 



(1.) The whole coastal zone (and the river valley) may become 

 a garden of tropical fruits and vegetables. All that is necessary 

 is a proper system of irrigation and the establishment of ware- 

 houses and transportation facilities. Excellent markets for Syrian 

 oranges, lemons, grapes, figs, pomegranates, apricots, melons, toma- 

 toes, artichokes, etc., could be found in Egypt and all the Mediter- 

 ranean ports. 



(2.) The mountain district can be devoted to olive and pis- 

 tachio trees, etc. 



(3.) The plateaus may be utilized for grain cultivation. 



(4.) Finer grades of tobacco may be grown in Syria. 



(5.) Agricultural industries such as the manufacturing of 

 cane and beet sugar and the preserving and desiccating fruits can 

 become an important activity, as well as the production of alcohol 

 from durrha, figs, carobs, etc. 



(6.) The chief factor in promoting industry will be a new 

 tariff. Raw products which were exported to other countries and 

 then re-imported in a finished state must be treated in Syria itself. 



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