Syria’s direct subsidies on wheat and fuel have long fostered corruption and inefficiency. Dr. Karam Shaar sees removing these subsidies as a vital reform to close systemic loopholes exploited by powerful networks.
Yet, cutting subsidies without alternative support risks worsening hardships, especially amid conflict and stagnant wages. He advocates for replacing subsidies with targeted cash transfers—ensuring fairer aid, protecting strategic wheat reserves, and supporting vulnerable populations.