Based in Damascus since 2008, GlobalPost contributor Sarah Birke reports on Syria for a range of publications including the Christian Science Monitor, the Wall Street Journal, The National and IRIN. Her reporting focuses on Syria's ongoing economic transformation, rapprochement with the U.S. and Europe, political relations and social trends. She has travelled extensively in the Middle East. Prior to moving to Syria, Birke spent three years working as a journalist in London, writing for the New Statesman, The Times and The Independent. Her work has also appeared in the Economist. Before becoming a journalist, Sarah Birke studied in the U.K. and Italy, where she also wrote travel guides.