May 04, 2015 – Our Weekly Selection
Our weekly round-up of articles on Syria’s economy and society.
Interpol steps up search for ancient artifacts stolen in Syria, Iraq: “The missing artifacts include three mosaics stolen in November 2011 from Afamya in Hama, Syria — works that are invaluable, according to cultural activists.”
Bottom Drops Out Of Syria’s Currency Causing Economic Hardship: “In the past, Iran has helped out with credit lines. But now, an Iranian official has instead encouraged the Syrians to “develop a resistance economy” like Iran’s sanctions-strapped fiscal management.”
Jordan’s overland trade largely paralyzed by rebel border attacks from Syria, Iraq: “The economic fallout was apparent this week at the Syrian-Jordanian crossing, known to Syrians as Nasib and to Jordanians as Jaber. A free trade zone next to the crossing has been closed amid reports of widespread looting by Syrian rebels.”
ISIS demands $23 million for release of Assyrian Christians: “An Assyrian bishop has confirmed that negotiations with ISIS have stalled after the group demanded $23 million (£15 million) in return for the release of 230 Christian hostages.”
Statement on a Syrian Policy Framework: “The U.S. and its Western allies can best solve their Syria conundrum by outlining a clear strategy to strengthen the mainstream opposition in coordination with Ankara, Riyadh and Doha, while signalling to Iran willingness to negotiate a sustainable resolution that takes Tehran’s core geopolitical concerns into account.”
Syrian President Seeks Investors to Rebuild Aleppo’s Bombed-Out Old City: “A group of archaeologists and urban planning experts in Germany say that President Bashar al-Assad is already seeing dollar signs in the ruins of his country’s cities.”
Syrian Businessmen to Fund Cairo Conference: “Organizers of the Syrian opposition’s upcoming Cairo conference, to be held mid-May , have decided to refuse state funding for the event.”
Iraq, Syria crises cost billions for Turkey: “The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP)… has released a new report that says the amount Turkey has paid for the two crises in four years has reached $16.56 billion.”
Survivors Tell of Syria’s Underground Railroad to Europe: “As they flee a country destroyed by war, Syrian refugees conclude their best hope for a future lies in Europe, and they will risk everything to get there.”