Not much has changed in Syria politically. The country’s de facto tripartition persists. The regime of President Bashar al-Assad continues to rule by force and arbitrary arrests, preventing and punishing political self-organization among citizens. While it has become more authoritarian, the deepening economic crisis makes it increasingly difficult to maintain control.
The socioeconomic situation in Syria has deteriorated due to the crisis in Lebanon, the COVID-19 pandemic and price inflation. Despite the regime’s efforts to maintain currency stability, over 90% of the Syrian population require humanitarian assistance.
Despite the deteriorating living conditions, the regime focuses on public relations, using campaigns to attract tourism and convey the image of a functioning state in the process of recovery from conflict. Syria’s growing needs are not matched by either an increasing humanitarian response or future-oriented strategic planning and policies.
