Syria’s Gas Sector: Recovery Under Pressure
Most natural gas reserves lie in government-held territory, while the largest processing plant remains under SDF control. Production is rising slowly, but what is hindering a strong recovery?
Despite Assad’s Downfall, Less Than 10% of Syrian Refugees Have Returned
Assad’s downfall has sparked a spike in refugees’ intentions to return, but very few have actually returned. The reasons for staying abroad differ widely by host country.
New Banknotes for a New Syria: Rebuilding Trust and Restoring Faith in the Pound
As the pound’s value has plummeted over the past decade, issuing higher-denomination notes will restore trust and strengthen Central Bank control—if rolled out carefully and credibly.
Rethinking Subsidies in the Post-Assad Era
The Interim Government has accelerated the dismantling of the subsidy edifice. But amid economic constraints and rising prices of basic goods, concerns persist over the authorities’ socioeconomic vision.
External Contribution: Startup Syria
Syria’s Startup Ecosystem: From Survival to Rebuilding
A nascent startup scene is gaining momentum, fueled by youth and diaspora energy. But a resilient ecosystem needs regulatory reforms, investment, and collaboration.
Interview: Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Chargé d’affaires at the French Embassy in Syria
France affirms its support for Syria’s transition, outlining renewed diplomatic ties, reconstruction efforts, and a commitment to inclusive recovery.
Powering the Recovery: the Electricity Sector at a Crossroads
Syria’s power grid remains on life support, but foreign investments offer hope. A close look at fuel supply, output, and costs helps clarify the significance of recent announcements.
Cutting Zeros, Restoring Trust: The Redenomination Debate
Amid a liquidity crunch and monetary uncertainty, redenomination emerges as a potential technical fix and a symbolic reset, but is the timing right?
Why the EU Should Grant Syria Tariff-Free Access
Granting Syria temporary tariff-free access helps shift its recovery from humanitarian aid to partnership. What can we learn from Ukraine’s case?
Taxes in Syria, Episode Three: The Unseen Burden of Indirect Taxation
Syria’s reliance on indirect taxes and fees burdens lower-income households disproportionately. A modern, fairer tax regime—featuring VAT and excise reform—is long overdue.
External Contribution: Gönül Tol, Director of the Middle East Institute’s Türkiye Program
From reconstruction contracts to refugee returns, Türkiye is racing to shape Syria’s future—and Erdoğan’s own political survival may depend on it. Gönül Tol examines Türkiye’s ambitions, rivals, and red lines in the wake of Assad’s collapse.
Interview: Andrea Quaden, Executive Director, Aid Fund for Syria (AFS)
The Aid Fund for Syria expanded from the northwest to formerly regime-held areas after Assad’s fall, aiming to localize aid in support of early recovery. Emphasizing its apolitical approach, it faces funding cuts and sanctions hurdles.
