(AP) Bassem Mroue - Syria's economy is buckling under the strains of violence and sanctions that have sapped the government's finances, devastated the nation's cities and left its industry and infrastructure in ruins. Grappling with severe fuel shortages and winter temperatures that drop below freezing, Syrians are spending hours in line every day for gasoline or a few loaves of bread at soaring prices. Dubai-based Syrian economist Samir Seifan said that despite the ravaged economy, the regime is surviving due to assistance from Iran, which has provided billions of dollars since the crisis began in March 2011.
2013-01-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive