More than a year after the revolt that toppled Tunisia’s ruler, Zine al Abidine Ben Ali, discontent is rising because of poverty and unemployment.
Rami Makhlouf is the owner the successful cell phone company Syriatel — and cousin of President Bashar al-Assad. That relation has made the businessman and his company the target of Syrian protesters.
After seven months of upheaval, Syria's top businesses remain loyal to the government, but small business owners are split.
Despite continuing political uncertainty, Gaza's economy has improved and real estate prices are buoyant.
Egypt recently opened the Rafah Gate along its Gaza border to limited access, but Israel is continuing to restrict imports and exports.