September 21, 2015 – Our Weekly Selection
Some 18 articles selected from the world press and online resources on Syria’s economy and society.
Economics and the Syrian Uprising: “Economics was a major factor behind the Arab uprisings, in Syria as much as in North Africa, but the role of economics has been downplayed by governments and the media alike.”
A Scorched Wheat Policy From All Sides In Syria: “The staple crop is so strategic that it has been targeted from all sides in the Syrian Civil War.”
Syrian seed bank saved after occupation by armed forces threatens unique collection of ancient grains: “It is not just refugees fleeing Syria, but researchers and their equipment.”
Syria climate study warned Assad of drought dangers in 2010: “Yousef Meslmani, lead author of the last climate report from Damascus explains links between conflict and warming.”
Syria’s new capital … Istanbul: “According to last year’s numbers, Istanbul alone had 330,000 Syrians, more refugees than the whole of Europe. Istanbul has become the new “capital” for Syrians.”
‘Syria is emptying’: “A new exodus of Syrians is fueling the extraordinary flow of migrants and refugees to Europe, as Syria’s four-year-old war becomes the driving force behind the greatest migration of people to the continent since the Second World War.”
Europe migrant crisis: Hungary PM calls for €3bn Syria aid package: “Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to give Syria’s neighbours €3bn (£2.2bn; $3.4bn) in financial aid to help those displaced by the civil war.”
U.S. Intelligence Chiefs Say Iraq, Syria May Not Survive As States: “U.S. intelligence chiefs have repeated their assessment that Iraq and Syria may have been permanently fractured by war and sectarian strife and may not survive as nation-states.”
MAPPING THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS ACROSS EUROPE: “Data from Frontex, which monitors the movement of people in Europe, shows that there are eight main migratory routes used by migrants to enter the continent.”
Syria archaeological sites looted ‘on industrial scale’: UNESCO: “Limiting the trafficking in cultural property is a top priority because it finances the actions of the extremists.”
Cabinet Considers Expanding Syrian-Wide Transport Sector: “PM also calls for review of ministry press offices to improve cooperation with media outlets and provide accurate information.”
About 65,000 Syrians Working in Jordan’s Closed Professions: Workers’ Union: “Ministry of Labor has allowed migrant workers to make a significant breakthrough in closed professions which contradicts issued regulations, according to union president.”
Iran’s Man in Syria Snaps Up Damascus Real Estate: “Reports from Damascus and Tehran state high-ranking Iranians have expanded their purchase activities in the capital since last June.”
Families Face Shock Rise in Classroom Essentials as Schools Reopen: “With the commencement of the 2015/2016 school year, extraordinary prices force citizens to devise new methods to provide children with uniforms.”
In Syria, many families face a terrible dilemma: “In recent months I have noticed a trend of some families sending at least one of their children to join ISIL because that was the only way for them to generate an income in the family.”
UN humanitarian chief says ‘record’ aid for Syria crisis still can’t keep up with rising needs: “For 2015, aid agencies requested just over $7.4 billion, both for refugees and the internally displaced. So far, they have received $2.8 billion, or 38 percent of the total, the U.N. refugee agency said Saturday.”
Turkey spent $7.6 bln on 2.2 mln Syrian refugees: “Turkey, which borders Syria, hosts the world’s largest refugee population and has vowed to maintain its open border policy.”
IS has big plans for gold currency: “As the Islamic State challenges the US dollar by rolling out its own currency, some experts say the coinage will not catch on.”