The economic woe has sharply increased in Syria in the last few months, leading to several controversial decisions of the government and protests. According to multiple sources including the BBC, the Syrian government has reduced subsidies for fuel amidst the rising prices of food and many other commodities leading to protests in several towns of Syria including the southern city of Suwayda. But protesters sparked by the rising fuel prices have quickly turned into anti-government demonstrations with demands for the resignation of the president of Syria — where the worsening economic crisis has left almost ninety percent of the population living below the poverty line — leading to several arrests.
It is pertinently notable that Syria has been undergoing civil war involving President Bashar al-Assad and several rival groups for almost a decade causing immense economic trouble, along with other devastating impacts including the death of around half a million, the displacement of half a million, the destruction of thousands of buildings and other establishments and disrupted economic activities. Though the Syrian civil war has almost ended, the impacts of it including the economic crisis, along with displacement, have been affecting the people. The millions of people affected by the deadly civil war have been receiving humanitarian assistance from donor countries and agencies including food, clean water, medical supplies and shelter for years, while many others are struggling with rising poverty.
In addition, there are several other forces of the Syrian economic downturn. Economic sanctions, driven by the government’s brutal crackdown on its own citizens and several other factors, the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine war are some other notable causes that have further exacerbated the already fragile economy of the war-torn country. The Ukraine war has disrupted Syria’s trade relations — leading to a decline in imports and exports and an increase in food prices — and has caused a decrease in foreign investments. Among others, the mismanagement of public funds and resources and bureaucratic hurdles, along with a lack of transparency and accountability, have hindered the economic growth and development of Syria.
The Syrian government, which has already put emphasis on economic diversification, attracting foreign investments and several other steps, has taken some steps to deal with the rising living cost, which has been going on for several years though it has risen in recent months, including doubling the public sector pay, along with steps to stabilize the national currency, which has lost over eighty percent of its value, and putting emphasis on domestic food production. But they are less likely to help many ordinary Syrians, who are affected by unemployment, a sharp increase in poverty and limited access to basic services, to tackle economic woes including the rising prices.
It is definitely desired that the economic concerns of the Syrians including the rising living cost be addressed. But Syria needs to improve its crisis-hit economic conditions, along with reducing high unemployment, with planned efforts. Promoting trade with neighboring countries may help stimulate economic growth. Efforts to build economic relations through Syria’s recent reunification with the Arab League may be helpful here. Addressing economic mismanagement and corruption is imperative for improving the economy of Syria. But the government also needs to avoid crackdowns on protesters and arbitrary arrests and address the reasoned concerns of oppositions including political and civil for a more peaceful political solution in Syria.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
