August 31, 2015 – Our Weekly Selection

A weekly roundup of articles on Syria’s economy and society.

Here’s How Syria’s Opposition Government Essentially Went Broke: “Now, with the SIG having spent nearly all of a $68 million grant given by Qatar in January 2014, shortly after it began work, the government has not paid salaries to its employees since mid-January.”

The Impact of Syria’s Conflict on the Turkish Economy: “For Turkey the most direct impact has been caused by the massive decline of trade with Syria.”

Jordan’s agricultural exports key victim of Syria crisis: “The Syrian crisis has had its deep negative impact on Jordan in many aspects as the country struggles with the seemingly non-stop refugee influx.”

Islamic State destroys part of Syria’s Temple of Bel: monitors: “It is the second temple Islamic State has targeted in Palmyra this month. The group detonated explosives in the ancient Baal Shamin temple on Aug. 25, an act that cultural agency UNESCO has called a war crime aimed at wiping out a symbol of Syria’s diverse cultural heritage.”

Kidnapping for the Purpose of Extortion Causes Panic in Damascus: “Syrian activists accuse the regime militias of these incidents.”

Average Syrian Wage Barely Enough for Student Supplies: “Parents will have to face inflated prices of uniforms and basic supplies as children return to class for new school year.”

Kurds evacuate Afrin for security and economic reasons (Video)

Syrians fleeing war find new route to Europe – via the Arctic Circle: “Dozens of Syrian migrants have trekked to the far north of Russia this year in an unlikely bid to reach a little-known Arctic border crossing with Norway.”

Severe water shortages compound the misery of millions in war-torn Syria – UNICEF says: “In the northern city of Aleppo, where fighting has crippled the main pumping station for months at a time, UNICEF has recorded 18 deliberate water cuts this year alone.”

Opposition bakeries struggle to serve a hungry citizenry: “In the free Hama countryside, the only bakery around is the one we’re building–right now, people from all the surrounding villages have to drive out all the way to the southern Idlib countryside to get bread.”