Syria
Business magnate Tarif Akhras draws ire of Damas with renewed London ties
Unexpectedly, the British Treasury has lifted the financial sanctions imposed on Syrian business magnate Tarif Akhras, who has close links with Syria's first lady Asma al-Assad. The measure promises to be highly beneficial for Akhras but has brought a sharp reaction from Damas, which has taken measures against the entrepreneur's commodities import group.