
Unlocking Access: Addressing Compliance Constraints in Syria’s Banking Sector
Sanctioned individuals in ownership structures block banks’ global reintegration; a way forward is seizing their assets, strengthening compliance and signaling reform.

International Oil Companies: The Return to Syria
Following sanctions relief, international oil companies are eyeing a return to Syria. However, unresolved legal claims and high political risk still cast a shadow over re-entry.

The Syrian Public Sector: Restructuring the State After Assad
The Interim Government is overhauling the bloated public sector through payroll audits, dismissals, and civil service reform. While promising, high costs and fragmented implementation raise concerns.

Opaque Appointments: Ministerial Advisors and Assistants in Syria
A recent directive voided dozens of advisory appointments in Syria’s Interim Government. Our analysis shows the improvised nature of recent senior hires and their underlying power dynamics.

External Contribution: Elise Baker, Senior Staff Lawyer for the Strategic Litigation Project
States Have Profited from the Conflict in Syria. They Should Use Those Profits to Establish the Syria Victims Fund
Governments have collected over USD 1 billion from violations tied to Syria’s conflict. Elise Baker outlines how they should redirect these proceeds to support justice and survivors.

Interview: Abdulsalam Haykal, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology
Progress, Security, and Needs
Minister Haykal answers our questions on digital transformation, infrastructure projects, governance, security, public perception issues—including Starlink and telecom outages—and international support.

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.