BAGHDAD _ A new law intended to reverse the firing of thousands of former Saddam Hussein-era officials during the U.S-led occupation of Iraq has taken effect, Iraq's presidency council announced Sunday in a statement.

By ZEINA KARAM DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria is softening its refusal to attend the Annapolis peace conference and already has won dividends, including a visit from Jordan's king that marked an end to regional isolation. But as it bends, it risks alienating Palestinian militants and its ally Iran.

Syria is softening its refusal to attend the Annapolis peace conference and already has won dividends, including a visit from Jordan's king that marked an end to regional isolation. But as it bends, it risks alienating Palestinian militants and its ally Iran.

According to Al-Baath newspaper (November 11, 2007), sources revealed that the value of the 600 Chinese buses deal was estimated at SP 1.2 billion.

Text of report by Syrian newspaper Al-Ba'th websit