Protests Spread Across Syria as Economic Crisis Fuels Growing Anger
Protests in Syria have surged as soaring prices and a worsening economic crisis continue to fuel frustration among the population. These demonstrations, which initially began in southern Syria, have now spread to two government-held provinces in the south, indicating widespread discontent over skyrocketing prices, the devaluation of the Syrian pound, and the diminishing purchasing power of citizens.
It is worth noting that these protests remain localized to southern Syria and have not yet reached major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, or government strongholds. Recently, President Bashar Assad’s decision to double public sector wages and pensions has exacerbated inflation and added to the economic hardships faced by many Syrians.
The Syrian pound has experienced a sharp decline in value, with the exchange rate against the US dollar jumping from 7,000 pounds at the beginning of 2023 to its current rate of 15,000 pounds. This stands in stark contrast to the 47 pounds to the dollar rate at the start of the country’s uprising in 2011.
The center of these protests has primarily been the city of Sweida, home to the Druze minority, and the nearby province of Daraa, considered the birthplace of Syria’s uprising over a decade ago. Sweida has witnessed an escalation of demonstrations against the government and corruption, with some turning violent. Meanwhile, Daraa, which came back under government control in 2018, has been plagued by high crime rates and clashes between different militias.
Although the government has yet to respond directly to the recent protests in Sweida and Daraa, their impact is already being felt. Pro-government radio station Sham FM reported that final exams at branches of Damascus University in Sweida have been postponed due to road closures preventing students from reaching the campuses.
President Assad’s decision to increase wages and pensions comes as the cash-strapped government tries to restructure its costly subsidy program for essential items such as fuel, gasoline, and wheat for bread. Unfortunately, this decision has led to an increase in public transportation and fuel fares. However, the Syrian economy has long been grappling with the impact of the war, widespread corruption, and economic mismanagement, further exacerbated by Western-led sanctions against the government for alleged war crimes and involvement in illicit narcotics trade.
Protesters in Sweida have been chanting slogans like We only kneel to God as they march through the city, with support from Druze clerics. Reports indicate that protesters from neighboring villages are also joining the demonstrations in the provincial capital. In Daraa province, where the initial protests against the government in March 2011 sparked the wider uprising, protesters have taken to the streets in various villages, calling for the ousting of Assad’s government and the removal of Iranian influence from the region.
According to the United Nations, 90% of Syrians in government-held areas are living in poverty, with over half of the country’s population struggling to meet their basic food needs.
In conclusion, protests are sweeping across Syria due to the ever-increasing prices, devaluation of the Syrian pound, and worsening economic conditions. While the demonstrations are initially concentrated in southern Syria, the demands for change are growing louder. The situation calls for urgent attention to address the economic crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, as the impact of the protests may deepen if left unresolved.
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