Enab Baladi
Enab Baladi-Sakina Mahdi
Russia and Iran, allies of the Syrian regime, are bolstering their economic power in Syria in addition to their military presence. The two countries are wrangling for business influence over energy resources and vital financial and industrial establishments by signing long-term contracts with the Syrian government. These long-term contracts ensure their political and economic interests in Syria and recuperate some of the costs and expenses incurred during war years.
Iran has specific economic goals in Syria which contradict Russia’s economic policies; Iran is trying to dominate investments in many sectors such as oil, gas, and reconstruction. In return, Syrian officials seek to obtain military and political support and assistance from the two countries. As a result, Russia and Iran could control Syria’s economic options.
Syrian Trade Establishment swindles citizens and makes queues longer
Syrian people wait in a queue to get food items in front of one of the branches of the Syrian Trade Establishment (Internet)
Enab Baladi-Louay Rhebani
Recently, social media networks have been buzzing with the Syrian Trade Establishment (STE) name, which is linked to the Syrian government.
Social media users, including merchants and citizens, have been complaining and criticizing the STE’s work and procedures.
The latest wave of criticism occurred in Damascus on 13 December 2020, when the Butchers’ Association demanded that the prices of meat be raised in the butcher shops to match the increase in meat prices sold at the stores of the Ministry of Internal Trade-linked STE.