"The Soviets want to get paid for their arms and the Syrian economy is in a shambles," the official said.

In other parts of the Syrian economy, change is less apparent.

But those talks will probably take years to conclude, if ever, and already the Syrian economy is showing signs of strain.

Settling the refugees was made conditional on sufficient outside assistance for the Syrian economy.

Commerce has always been important to the Syrian economy, which benefited from the country's location along major east-west trade routes.

The money they send home is critical for the Syrian economy.

The current unrest and significant deterioration of the Syrian economy have also led to perceived increase in criminal activity.

It seems the Syrian economy is crumbling and further sanctions will accelerate the process.

Stemming from a 1960s nationalization effort most Syrian economy is run by the government.

Meanwhile, the Syrian economy was in serious trouble.