Syria’s economic pains far from over despite Assad’s ouster
2 months ago

Syria’s economic pains far from over despite Assad’s ouster

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Samir al-Baghdad grabbed his pickax and walked up a wobbly set of stairs made of cinderblocks and rubble. “Economic opportunities are basically nonexistent,” al-Baghdadi said, sitting on a pile of rubble and debris where the house’s entrance used to be. “So we’re going to slowly rebuild with our own hands.” Although Syrian President Bashar Assad was toppled last month in a lightning insurgency, the country’s dire economic conditions that protesters decried have not changed. Wealthy Gulf countries have pledged to build economic partnerships with Syria’s new interim rulers, while Washington has eased some restrictions without fully lifting its sanctions. Sinan Hatahet, an economic researcher at the Washington-based Atlantic Council think tank, said the U.S. actions were the “bare minimum” needed to show good faith to Damascus and aren’t enough to help Syria jumpstart its economy.

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History of this topic

Syria holds national dialogue conference as the battered country seeks to rebuild
1 month ago

Syria holds national dialogue conference as the battered country seeks to rebuild

LA Times  

Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, leaves the podium after speaking at the People’s Palace in Damascus, the capital, on Feb. 25, 2025. Syria’s new rulers touted a long-awaited national dialogue conference Tuesday as a “rare historic opportunity” to rebuild the country after the fall of President Bashar Assad and nearly 14 years of civil war. A group of mostly Kurdish …

A new Syrian government struggles to reset its corrupt, besieged economy
1 month, 3 weeks ago

A new Syrian government struggles to reset its corrupt, besieged economy

LA Times  

To understand the shakedown empire that was once Syria under former President Bashar Assad, consider the notorious Al-Khatib prison and torture center. But erasing its grim legacy is likely to take much longer, as the country’s new leaders contend with an economy hobbled by nearly 14 years of war, deep-rooted corruption and international sanctions. The Qadam train station n Damascus …

Rebuilding Syria’s economy: Can stability return after war?
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Rebuilding Syria’s economy: Can stability return after war?

Al Jazeera  

Syria’s new leadership faces an economy devastated by war and sanctions, with inflation and a decimated currency. The challenges Having assumed control of Syria’s caretaker government, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – itself still sanctioned as a “terrorist organisation” by the United States and others – faces a long list of challenges. “There’s little doubt that sanctions hollowed out state institutions and …

US Allows More Humanitarian Aid to Syria After Assad’s Downfall
2 months, 2 weeks ago

US Allows More Humanitarian Aid to Syria After Assad’s Downfall

Live Mint  

-- The Biden administration is offering limited sanctions relief to Syria to boost the flow of humanitarian aid after the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. “The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive rule, backed by Russia and Iran, provides a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. “During …

Syria looks to pick up the pieces of its shattered economy
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Syria looks to pick up the pieces of its shattered economy

Live Mint  

DAMASCUS, Syria—More than a decade of civil war left Syria’s economy in shambles. Now, as Syria’s new leaders seek to rebuild, they are confronting a raft of challenges, including convincing Western powers to lift sanctions and regaining control of the country’s oil sector. “If we gain control of the country’s oil fields, we can gain a level of energy independence, …

U.N. special envoy for Syria calls for sanctions relief following Assad’s fall
3 months, 1 week ago

U.N. special envoy for Syria calls for sanctions relief following Assad’s fall

The Hindu  

The United Nations special envoy for Syria on Sunday called for a quick end to Western sanctions after the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The Syrian government has been under strict sanctions by the United States, European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and later …

Syrians return to the homes they fled, only to find them levelled
3 months, 1 week ago

Syrians return to the homes they fled, only to find them levelled

Al Jazeera  

Damascus, Syria – Nizar al-Madani, 34, stood with tears in his eyes as he looked around Qaboun. “But today, there is no trace of these buildings… The regime has obliterated the neighbourhood’s features.” He was not the only one who came out to Qaboun to see what was left after the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell. “The fallen al-Assad regime …

How long will it take to rebuild Syria destroyed by the Assad regime?
3 months, 1 week ago

How long will it take to rebuild Syria destroyed by the Assad regime?

Firstpost  

Syria, which has been left ravaged by civil war for more than a decade under the Bashar al-Assad regime, is now eyeing the long road back to prosperity. The World Bank now estimates Syria’s economy at $9 billion – an 85 per cent. Politico quoted UN-Habitat as saying that in 2023 over 40 per cent of Syria’s hospitals were not …

Mercedes, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris: A sneak peek into ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s garage
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Mercedes, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris: A sneak peek into ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s garage

Live Mint  

While 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, Islamist rebel forces who stormed Bashar al-Assad's palace discovered a collection of luxury cars, including Mercedes, Porsches, Audis, and Ferraris. Meanwhile, this is a small section of Assad’s garage.” A user remarked, “one thing remains crystal clear - the power of selfishness and corruption is downright evil. why amass all the …

Back in the Arab League after 12 years, Syria urges group to invest in war-torn country
1 year, 10 months ago

Back in the Arab League after 12 years, Syria urges group to invest in war-torn country

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria on Monday called on Arab countries to invest in the war-torn nation, now again a member of the Arab League. The 22-member Arab League agreed earlier this month to reinstate Syria, ending a 12-year suspension and taking another step toward bringing Syrian President Bashar Assad, a long-time regional pariah, back into the fold. However, crippling Western …

Back in the Arab League after 12 years, Syria urges group to invest in war-torn country
1 year, 10 months ago

Back in the Arab League after 12 years, Syria urges group to invest in war-torn country

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Syria on Monday called on Arab countries to invest in …

As Assad returns to Arab fold, Syrians watch with hope, fear
1 year, 10 months ago

As Assad returns to Arab fold, Syrians watch with hope, fear

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Syrians living on opposite sides of the largely frozen battle lines dividing their country are watching the accelerating normalization of ties between the government of Bashar Assad and Syria’s neighbors through starkly different lenses. Meanwhile, in the remaining opposition-held areas of the north, Syrians who once saw Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries as allies in their fight …

Analysis: Syria rebuilding hopes dim as war enters year 13
2 years ago

Analysis: Syria rebuilding hopes dim as war enters year 13

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The recent deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria which caused billions of dollars in damage has boosted the prospects of Syria’s once widely shunned president return to the Arab fold, but appears unlikely to jump-start large-scale reconstruction in the war-ravaged country. As Syria’s conflict enters its 13th year Wednesday, President Bashar Assad’s government still refuses to make concessions …

Analysis | Syria’s hopes of rebuilding after quake grow dim as civil war enters 13th year
2 years ago

Analysis | Syria’s hopes of rebuilding after quake grow dim as civil war enters 13th year

The Hindu  

The recent deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria which caused billions of dollars in damage has boosted the prospects of Syria’s once widely shunned president’s return to the Arab fold, but appears unlikely to jump-start large-scale reconstruction in the war-ravaged country. As Syria’s conflict enters its 13th year on March 13, President Bashar Assad’s government still refuses to make concessions …

Syria Earthquake Aftermath Aleppo Once Economic Hub Stands Battered And Broken After Devastating Quake Years Of War
2 years, 1 month ago

Syria Earthquake Aftermath Aleppo Once Economic Hub Stands Battered And Broken After Devastating Quake Years Of War

ABP News  

Aleppo: The people of Syria have been enduring a relentless assault on all fronts — from years of war to crippling economic sanctions, and now, a devastating earthquake. Just walk around the streets of Aleppo, the once-thriving economic hub of Syria, and the competing devastations of both war and the recent earthquake are impossible to miss. READ | UN Continues …

Explained: What’s driving Syria's economic crisis?
2 years, 2 months ago

Explained: What’s driving Syria's economic crisis?

Firstpost  

Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the most important factor driving up global fuel prices in Syria is a recent slowdown in oil shipments from Iran, which has been Damascus’ primary source of fuel Beirut: Syria’s economy has hit its lowest point since the start of its civil war nearly 12 years ago, with spiralling inflation, …

EXPLAINER: Why has Syria’s economic crisis hit a new low?
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why has Syria’s economic crisis hit a new low?

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Syria’s economy has hit its lowest point since the start of its civil war nearly 12 years ago, with spiraling inflation, a currency plunge and severe fuel shortages in both government-run and rebel-held areas. But the most crucial factor is a recent slowdown in oil shipments from Iran, which has been Damascus’s main source of fuel since the …

EXPLAINER: Why has Syria's economic crisis hit a new low?
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why has Syria's economic crisis hit a new low?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Syria’s economy has hit its …

In 2021, normalisation failed to mask the suffering in Syria
3 years, 2 months ago

In 2021, normalisation failed to mask the suffering in Syria

Al Jazeera  

2021 marked a decade since the beginning of the Syrian uprising, with violence and economic hardship still rife. “ don’t like al-Assad’s close relationship with Iran, but on the other hand, he’s also been an enemy of their own enemy, Turkey,” Lund told Al Jazeera. Abu Dhabi’s deepening of ties with the Syrian government is part of a wider policy …

UAE, Syria agree on plans to enhance economic cooperation
3 years, 5 months ago

UAE, Syria agree on plans to enhance economic cooperation

Al Jazeera  

The United Arab Emirates’ economy ministry has said the Gulf state and Syria agreed on future plans to enhance economic cooperation and explore new sectors. But as the Syrian army recaptured most of the territory from the opposition, the UAE and other Arab countries made openings towards President Bashar al-Assad’s government. #ًUAE and #Syria agree on future plans to enhance …

Iran’s foreign minister holds talks with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad
3 years, 5 months ago

Iran’s foreign minister holds talks with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad

Al Jazeera  

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated his support for Syria and expectations on the 2015 nuclear deal in Damascus visit. Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has held talks on bilateral ties and developments across the region with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. As senior Taliban officials and the United States representatives held talks in Qatar on Saturday …

Influential countries are ‘turning their backs’ – economic destitution is driving Syria’s humanitarian crisis
4 years ago

Influential countries are ‘turning their backs’ – economic destitution is driving Syria’s humanitarian crisis

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And so the NRC expects a …

Iraqis Forced To Cope With Country's Economic Hard Times
4 years, 1 month ago

Iraqis Forced To Cope With Country's Economic Hard Times

NPR  

Iraqis Forced To Cope With Country's Economic Hard Times In Iraq, a huge share of the country relies on government salaries. FORDHAM: The reason for the slump is that Iraq's government depends on oil exports. Looking ahead, Al-Saffar says the world could soon use less fossil fuel and that would help fight climate change but would crater oil revenue. FORDHAM: …

Syria’s Assad: Last man standing amid new Arab uprisings
5 years, 11 months ago

Syria’s Assad: Last man standing amid new Arab uprisings

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — It’s Arab Spring, season II, and he’s one of the few holdovers. Syria’s President Bashar Assad has survived an uprising, a years-long ruinous war and an Islamic “caliphate” established over parts of his broken country. Although the Arab League said it was not yet time to restore Syria’s membership to the 22-member organization, the issue was discussed at …

Arab nations inch toward rehabilitating Syria’s Assad
6 years, 2 months ago

Arab nations inch toward rehabilitating Syria’s Assad

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — He has survived eight years of war and billions of dollars in money and weapons aimed at toppling him. Gulf Arab nations, once the main backers of rebels trying to oust Assad, are lining up to reopen their embassies in Syria, worried about leaving the country at the heart of the Arab world to regional rivals Iran and …

Reconstructing Syria: The need to break the mould
8 years, 9 months ago

Reconstructing Syria: The need to break the mould

Al Jazeera  

When the time comes, new approaches to economic reconstruction are needed in Syria. In late May the World Bank ran a feature story on “The Importance of Planning Syria’s Eventual Reconstruction”, which proposed innovative use of satellite imagery and social media analytics to assess physical damage and prepare not for “the day after”, but for “the day before”. The complex …

Syria’s super-rich are waiting for war to end to return and rebuild their homeland
8 years, 9 months ago

Syria’s super-rich are waiting for war to end to return and rebuild their homeland

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr Asfari declined requests for an interview, while Mr …

How to salvage Syria’s economy
9 years ago

How to salvage Syria’s economy

Al Jazeera  

Through economic aid, the West has the opportunity to exert pressure for changes in governance. The argument that Assad’s regime is the root cause of the refugee crisis and of the aggravated terrorism threat is widely understood in Western policy circles, but short-term political considerations have pushed policymakers towards the apparently perverse conclusion that dealing with Assad is the best …

The View From Inside Syria
9 years, 8 months ago

The View From Inside Syria

NPR  

The View From Inside Syria Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Saeed al-Batal Courtesy of Saeed al-Batal Syria's civil war has created the worst refugee crisis in the world, with more than 4 million people fleeing the country. Over the past year, NPR's Morning Edition has spoken three times with Saeed al-Batal, a photographer and filmmaker who doesn't use …

President Bashar Assad's Syria truncated, battered, but defiant
10 years, 4 months ago

President Bashar Assad's Syria truncated, battered, but defiant

India TV News  

Tartous, Syria: Syrian businessmen start from scratch after their shops and factories were destroyed. But it carries on, underscoring how Syrian President Bashar Assad's government has clung to power, despite an armed rebellion to uproot him, now well into its fourth year. Visits the past week to the capital, Damascus, and the coastal region of Tartous, a stronghold of government …

Syria tenders fail, raising doubt over Assad ability to buy food
11 years, 6 months ago

Syria tenders fail, raising doubt over Assad ability to buy food

Live Mint  

Abu Dhabi/Beirut: Syria cancelled an urgent tender to buy sugar on Monday, two weeks after cancelling a bid to buy wheat, the latest signs that President Bashar al-Assad’s government is losing its ability to buy food as civil war destroys its harvests. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation said in July that a fifth of Syria’s population was unable …

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