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Syria's Leader Feels Pressure From US Sanctions Threat, Street Protests

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - Five days of protests have shaken Syria's usually peaceful
   Druze enclave of Suweida, as rising prices and a falling domestic
   currency have pushed ordinary Syrians hurt by the crisis to vent their
   anger.

   Amateur video has shown scores of people demonstrating and chanting
   against the government.

   In Damascus, many shops and businesses reportedly have closed as
   exchange rates fluctuated wildly. Factories that produce pharmaceutical
   goods also have closed because of shortages of raw materials, while
   fuel shortages have forced the government to buy gasoline from Lebanon.

   Atop these developments, new U.S. economic sanctions on people and
   businesses trading with the Syrian government are set to take effect
   June 17.

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