Bio
Rohan Advani
Rohan Advani is a Reporter and Translator at Syria Direct. Previously, he worked as a researcher at The Century Foundation and is a graduate of Georgetown University and New York University.
Latest Articles
As spotlight stays on Makhlouf, Syrian telecoms industry undergoes significant changes
The recent spate of videos published by Syria’s richest businessman, Rami Makhlouf, have prompted some to speculate about the future of the Syrian regime.
Damascus struggles to secure wheat supply amidst coronavirus crisis
Two weeks into Syria’s wheat harvest and amidst an economic crisis spiraling out of control, Damascus is scrambling to secure its supply of the essential grain.
Economic anxiety continues despite Assad’s speech on the coronavirus
Since October 2019, the Syrian pound (SYP) has been in a steep decline, driven primarily by the financial crisis unfolding in Lebanon as well as structural problems
As Ramadan begins, the Syrian government eases coronavirus-restrictions to kickstart the economy
The Syrian government has announced a certain easing of coronavirus-related restrictions in a bid to restart economic activity as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
Anger and confusion erupt over the Syrian government’s decision to ration bread through the smart card
In recent months, the smart card system has been expanded to include a wider range of subsidized goods, namely fuel, rice, tea, and sugar.
Humanitarian responses to the coronavirus bring the UAE and Syria publicly closer
Since Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011, the phone call marks the first publicized contact between an Arab leader and Assad since 2011.
How will coronavirus affect Syria’s fragile economy?
Over the last year, Syria has experienced a collapse in the value of its national currency, rising inflation, and difficulties in securing foreign currency reserves.
Damascus limits cash in a bid to strengthen banks and control over the economy
On February 16, the Syrian government required that all car and real estate transactions be conducted through Syrian bank accounts rather than in cash or through other non-official channels.
Syrian government budget expenses 2020: visualized
At the end of last year, the Syrian government approved the 2020 budget, totaling 4,000 billion Syrian pounds (SYP).
Syrian Central Bank improvises to keep the economy afloat
The Syrian Central Bank has announced lower intermediary rates for certain transactions in an attempt to cushion the blow of the declining value of the Syrian Pound.