[lnbjohnson]

I do not know about Syria in particular, but antibiotics can be bought over the counter (either legally or illegally) in a lot of the countries in the area. Also, the real problem, I believe, is when the patient stops taking the antibiotic too early. The un-killed bacteria are the ones that have some resistance to the antibiotic. It is a problem in the US, but I would guess it is a real problem in low income countries.

[Zhang Fei]

Also, the real problem, I believe, is when the patient stops taking the antibiotic too early.

For cost reasons, no doubt, since drugs cost money, and money is in short supply in most such countries.