Syria’s Economic Crisis: Struggles Amid Sanctions and Sectarian Tensions

Syria’s economy is critically affected by sanctions and continues to struggle post-civil war, leading to public frustration. Long queues for cash reveal the dire financial conditions, with rising tensions over government effectiveness. The new rulers face challenges managing sectarian divisions, while global issues could divert attention from Syria’s needs.

In central Damascus, long queues at cashpoint machines reflect the dire economic conditions in Syria, where citizens are frustrated over the difficulty in accessing cash. Despite the civil war’s end three months ago, the financial situation remains grim, exemplified by individuals arguing after waiting hours only to withdraw a small amount of money. The onset of Ramadan has amplified concerns over the economy as anger rises against the new government’s perceived inability to enact effective reforms.

While Bashar al-Assad has been ousted, Syria continues to grapple with deep-rooted sectarian tensions. The new rulers face the challenge of balancing the needs of minority groups while maintaining support from their jihadist constituents. This precarious position complicates any potential improvements in governance and economic revitalization.

As international attention shifts to other pressing global issues, including the actions of Donald Trump regarding diplomacy and military strategies, there is a growing concern that Syria’s plight may be overlooked. The potential negative impact of a transactional diplomatic approach has been noted, particularly concerning ongoing issues in other regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and China. In parallel, concerns about the effectiveness of legislative power in the United States hint at a fragile political landscape that could affect foreign policy decisions.

Economic challenges extend beyond Syria. Online scams are escalating rapidly, drawing attention to vulnerabilities that rival those posed by illegal drug markets. In response, countries like India are taking steps to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, which highlights that even small reforms can lead to significant improvements in the economy.

Syria’s economy remains in severe distress, primarily due to ongoing sanctions that hinder recovery. The new leadership faces unique challenges in addressing sectarian divides while managing public frustration over economic hardship. Without reforms and lifted sanctions, the financial situation is unlikely to improve, leading to rising anger among the populace. Concurrently, global issues overshadow Syria’s plight, raising concerns about its future stability and governance effectiveness.

Original Source: www.economist.com