Despite sectarian rhetoric from Shiite militias involved in the government, Iraq appears to be turning a new page with neighboring Syria following the fall of al-Assad, with a clear focus on shared interests.

The U.S. sanctions, which are the most comprehensive against Syria, remain the biggest obstacle to seeing a recovery in the transitional period and improving the livelihoods of Syrians.

Syria's participation in the Davos Forum reflects the economic transformations that the new Syrian administration is trying to apply for openness to the world after the fall of the Assad regime.