Foreign Policy magazine posted a very interesting feature about Iraqi refugees in Syria. An excerpt from a book by Deborah Amos describes the underground economy many Iraqis were forced into after Sadaam’s fall. The refugees are prohibited from working in many jobs in Syria, therefore, many women have turned to prostitution as their only means of survival. The exchange takes place in night clubs that are an open market, where the women can negotiate their price with their customers. Women dance on stage while the men survey the goods, many feel they have no choice but to prostitute themselves in order to feed their children and families. The Syrian authorities seem to condone these activities. The Syrian government has purposefully made life intolerable for the refugees, providing no support or monetary assistance, while hindering any chance they have at a normal life while in Syria. Ms. Amos has done some very brave reporting by going undercover into one of these nightclubs. Please see the article here.