November 09, 2015 – Our Weekly Selection
Our weekly roundup of articles on Syria’s economy and society.
Why Now? The Syrian Refugee Flow to Europe: “Neighboring countries present dangers, privations, and complications not present in Europe, and after hearing about these problems or experiencing them firsthand, many desperate Syrians have decided to head for the continent.”
Amidst the debris: Environmental impact of conflict in Syria could be disastrous: “The ongoing conflict in Syria is likely to have a disastrous impact on the environment and public health, according to a new study published by PAX.”
Will Syrians Born in Turkey Receive Turkish Citizenship?: “According to Turkey’s Foreigners Act, Syrians are treated as a ‘special case’, and are therefore subject to specific conditions, an interim government official explains.”
Water Crisis Leaves Damascus Residents Thirsty: “Residents of the capital endure crippling water shortages, as well as high rates of jaundice and cholera.”
They freed a Syrian town from ISIS. Now they have to govern it: “Today, Tal Abyad is a tense and troubled place. Its new Kurdish masters are seeking to assert their control over a mixed town that, at least until recently, had an Arab majority — some of whom were not entirely unhappy to be governed by the Islamic State.”
In Damascus, Syrians express a surprising level of optimism: “Russia’s monthlong intervention on behalf of the government of President Bashar Assad has lifted the spirits of many government supporters in the area.”
Isis Inc: Syria’s ‘mafia-style’ gas deals with jihadis: “The need for energy drives Assad regime into a deadly game.”
State Kidnappings a Cash Cow for Assad, Amnesty says: “Amnesty International has accused the Syrian government of reaping major profits from a widespread and systematic practice of enforced disappearances.”
The Balkans, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Refugees in Transit: “Once registered, Syrians with valid documents have permission to remain in the country for six months. Non-Syrian asylum seekers are given expulsion notices to leave the country within one month.”
Refugees and the Making of an Arab Regional Disorder: “The refugee tragedy is a symptom of a wider political crisis. Finding adequate solutions for the refugees and internally displaced populations is primarily a political imperative, but it is also a development challenge that is essential for political stabilization, societal reconciliation, and peace building.”
How have Gaziantep’s exports to war-torn Syria quadrupled since 2011?: “Between 2010 and 2015, the share of newly established Syrian-partnered firms among all new businesses has increased from less than 1 in 1,000 to roughly 1 in 40. “
The Industrial Area in Kafar Hamra: “The industrial areas in Hayyan and Kafar Hamra – located in the northern liberated areas in Syria – have almost entirely stopped operating.”
Russian involvement in Syria brings about another siege for Aleppo: “The second siege of Aleppo was more than the sad tale of a once-proud Syrian city.”
After 52-year ban, Syrian Kurds now taught Kurdish in schools: “Schools in Syrian regions controlled by the Kurdish PYD and its allies are for the first time teaching the Kurdish language, a practice prohibited under Baathist rule.”
Middle-class Frustration Fueled the Arab Spring: “Judging by economic data alone, the revolutions of the 2011 Arab Spring should have never happened.”