If President Bashar al-Assad and his allies remain in power, there is little chance that Syria will become an important oil and gas nexus. The European nations that would be the main customers for its energy exports are already reluctant to commit themselves to long-term deals with Damascus. The brutal suppression of popular protests will have done nothing to increase their enthusiasm. Private sector investors will shy away from committing themselves to such an unstable nation.If the protests ultimately achieve their objective - the removal of the al-Assad regime and the installation of a more representative government - Syria could resume its historical importance as a trading transit nation, particularly in the form of an outlet for oil and gas exports from hydrocarbon producers to the south and east. But one thing is certain: any plans for new pipelines will be put on hold until the political and security situation calms down, and the long-term fate of the governm0ent determined.
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