If the bombing starts in Iraq, Syria will be in a geographically pivotal position for the western forces. But the political landscape at home is not entirely smooth.

There are significant differences between the regime of the young President Bashar al-Assad and his late father, Hafez al-Assad.

While Syrians still do not enjoy freedom of expression, suppression is easing.

Thabet Salem clearly sees a change

Georgette Atiah, writer and publisher says: "All editors feel that censorship is much more relaxed than before."

Damascus journalist Thabet Salem talks of the satirical television series that mocks the government.

"This is really new," says Thabet. "They're trying to represent themselves as democracy-lovers, and this is different from the old days."

Damascus Spring

Those "old days" are still a strong memory for many.

Hundreds of people were jailed for their politics during the rule of President Hafez al-Assad.

Will this boy's freedom of speech be curbed in the future?

His son Bashar took over the reins of power in July 2000.

He released hundreds of prisoners, and thousands of Syrians attended political meetings and talked about change.

This movement became known as the "Damascus Spring".

But the spring thaw didn't last. There was a government crackdown.

Ten prominent activists were arrested, including two MPs.

'Syria's Mandela'

Riyadh Al-Turk was one of the 10.

Streets of the "Damascus Spring"

He has been dubbed "Syria's Mandela" because he spent 18 years in solitary confinement until 1998.

He was arrested again in 2001, and has recently been released on humanitarian grounds.

This veteran communist activist says President Bashar al-Assad has failed the Syrian people: "In his inaugural speech, the president promised to tolerate, and indeed invited, the opinion of others.

"He did not keep his promise. The situation is that he is surrounded by the old guard who are dictating positions to him."

'Being watched'

Riyadh Al-Turk has first-hand experience of the "old guard".

He believes his every move is watched by Syria's security services.

Even if the government is not listening on every street corner, the effect is the same. People are fearful.

The minister for information denies the allegations

The Minister of Information, Adnan Omran, says this is simply not the case in Syria.

"Not a single person has been imprisoned for their political views, but only for illegal activities."

As for those detained after the "Damascus Spring" it was "only those active in building illegal cells with the principle of calling for change by force", he says.

What of the estimates by international human rights organisations of around 800 political prisoners in Syria?

"It's not correct," he insists. "I'm sorry to say, the human rights groups are, in many cases, phoney."

Despite the minister's hard line, many Syrians believe there is potential for change.

But can and will President Assad deliver more?

This is certainly a crucial time for the country on both the domestic and international stage.

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Riyadh Al-Turk spent 18 years in solitary confinement in a two x two metre cell. Ten days after his release, Linda Pressly delved further into what his and his wife's more personal reflections were on the sacrifices they have made.

"I'm not seeking revenge"

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Crossing Continents: Syria: A key to the Middle East
Thursday 12 December 2002 on BBC Radio 4 at 1100 GMT
The programme is repeated Monday 16 December 2002 on BBC Radio 4 at 2030 GMT

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