Following in the footsteps of Ad-Domari, an independent Syrian newspaper has been launched in Damascus.

Al-Watan claims it will take a 'moderate' political stance. The 16 page broadsheet was unveiled yesterday and will be published daily.

Bashar Al-Assad releaxed media laws five years ago, but it is still difficult to get a licence. Satirical publication Ad-Domari mocked government officials, and was highly popular, until it lost its licence on a technicality.