9 February - President of Syria Bashar al-Assad reshuffles his cabinet, appointing seven new ministers in a move analysts describe as an attempt to stabilize the country's economy.[2]
March
29 March - During a U.N. conference, Iran, North Korea and Syria block adoption of a United Nations treaty that would regulate the international arms trade, a proposal which required agreement from all 193 UN member states to be adopted at the conference. A spokesman for Kenya and other countries, including the U.S., then asked the treaty be brought before the General Assembly, where unanimity is not required.[3]
April
2 April - The United Nations General Assembly approves the first Arms Trade Treaty to regulate the multibillion-dollar global trade in conventional arms with 154 votes in favor, three member states – Iran, North Korea and Syria – against the decision, and 23 abstentions.[4]
