Crossword Genius

Part of Austria passing close to bandit country (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

syria

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'country' is the definition.
(I know that Syria is a country)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for syria that I've seen before include "Arab country" , "Good judgement, knowledge" , "Country bordering Turkey" , "Country south of Turkey" , "Middle East country, capital Damascus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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