[M]any foreign investors are starting to consider pulling out [of Syria because of the conflict] and the trend is likely to be accelerated by the imposition of international sanctions on Assad and other senior officials...Qatar Electricity and Water has cancelled a $900m...project to build power plants. British companies are reported to be considering pulling out...Much of the anger [that fueled protests since March] has focused on Rami Makhlouf, Assad's cousin whose interests in telecommunications, transport, banking, tourism, real estate and construction dominate the economy. Foreign and local investors are often forced to partner with Makhlouf...[B]usiness leaders remain wary [of joining the protests]...