July 13, 2015 – Our Weekly Selection

Our weekly selection of articles and reports on Syria’s economy.

‘No One Has an Interest in Destroying the Syrian State’: “In an interview with The Syrian Observer, Syrian scholar Kheder Khaddour argues that the Syrian regime uses its control over state institutions as a means of legitimization. Drawing a clear line between the state and the regime may not always be easy but it is essential if Syria wants to avoid the fate of Iraq, he adds.”

Syrian Activists, Economists Push To Use Turkish Lira in Aleppo’s Rebel-Controlled Areas: “The Association of Syrian Economists was putting forward the plan in order to put economic pressure on the regime so as to speed up its downfall.”

ISIL Revenues: Grow or Die: “Like other extreme predatory groups, the so-called Islamic State’s revenue streams are largely unsustainable, writes Frank Gunter. That’s why mounting a coordinated attack on the sources of its finances is so important – it will blunt the threats posed by this pernicious group.”

Looted in Syria – and sold in London: the British antiques shops dealing in artefacts smuggled by Isis: “But as the archaeologist discovered, relics from the ruins of Palmyra and Nimrud are now on display in British shops – and so far no-one has worked out how to stop it.”

Regime Loyalist Furious Over New Syrian Banknote Design: “Social media campaign attempts to boycott new SYP 1,000 banknote after Central Bank removes former president from the design.”

Syria’s Humanitarians Are Going Broke: “Aid organizations are billions of dollars short of their funding requirements, and even the most effective groups are struggling to sustain interest in what seems to be a never-ending crisis.”

Fuel Is Crucial In The Battle Over Syria: “The power map inside Syria is being redrawn, and one resource that’s affecting these internal borders is fuel and oil.”

Rebels threaten Damascus water over Zabadani assault: “A pro-regime newspaper highlighted the concerns of Damascus residents.”