CChapter 3: Comparative analysis of nationality laws policy in each of the MENA states – this, indeed, being an area in which a further study would be worthwhile – some basic observations are provided below. 3.5.1. Acquisition of nationality It was shown above that comprehensive safeguards allowing for the conferral of nationality to otherwise stateless children have yet to fully pervade the MENA region. In most countries, there are some provisions designed to reduce the risk of statelessness among children but these are insufficient to guarantee the enjoyment of the right to a nationality in all circumstances. Perhaps the most disappointing discrepancy between law and practice then, is where those countries which do have an inclusive safeguard are failing to implement it. Lebanon and Syria both provide in their nationality law for the acquisition of nationality by any child born on state territory who does not acquire another nationality at birth. However, neither country’s nationality practice reflects this safeguard and statelessness is passed on from one generation to the next. Stateless Kurds are labelled ajanib (foreigner) or maktoumeen (unregistered) by the Syrian authorities, rather than recognised as stateless, creating an excuse not to apply the safeguard against statelessness for their 147