Iron salvage is a common form of survival work in northern Syria, a way of eking life out of destroyed buildings—an all-too-plentiful resource. It is also a largely unregulated and hazardous sector, posing risks to workers and consumers alike.
As displaced people return to destroyed communities in southern Idlib, local initiatives are emerging as stopgap solutions for basic repairs and services, stepping into some roles that are the responsibility of Syria’s new administration.
As Syrians return home, Turkey is losing cheap labor and small businesses, sparking apprehension about the future of the country’s labor market.
Following an initial burst of activity when the regime fell and displaced people returned, markets in Reef Dimashq are faltering and facing new challenges.
As some services decline and prices rise in Idlib, residents fear shifting priorities could see the province return to its pre-2011 marginalization.
Syrian markets are experiencing instability in the prices of basic goods as the black market exchange rate of the pound fluctuates sharply, while the Central Bank of Syria takes a hands-off approach.
Around 25,000 people have returned to Darayya, just south of Damascus, since the regime fell. Destruction and a worsening housing crisis prevents the return of others to the battered city, home to 350,000 people before 2011.
With the Assad regime gone, Douma is coming back to life. Markets are bustling in the East Ghouta city, as construction workers repair damaged buildings and displaced residents return to visit or settle down.
The Assad regime is gone, but sanctions on Syria remain. As the country embarks on a long and costly road to recovery, should they be lifted?
The Zaatari refugee camp’s bustling economy ground to a halt when the Assad regime fell. Local shopkeepers say the value of their businesses has collapsed as residents uncertain about their future in Jordan save money and only buy necessities.
