Syria Faces Tough Times as Ramadan Approaches

As the holy month of Ramadan nears, Syrians grapple with an economic crisis amid new governance.

In the shadow of Ramadan, a sense of unease permeates the air in Syria as citizens queue outside financial institutions in the capital, Damascus, to withdraw minimal amounts of cash. The recent ousting of the Assad regime has led to a tumultuous economic climate, characterized by severe withdrawal limits imposed by the new government. Just days before the holy month begins, individuals are only able to withdraw the equivalent of approximately $15—far from sufficient for the traditional spending associated with Ramadan.

Sleiman Dawoud, a civil engineer, expressed his frustrations while waiting at an ATM, noting that the limited cash is barely enough to cover basic necessities like meat, bread, fruits, and vegetables, all of which play essential roles in the festive season. “How can we properly celebrate when we can barely scrape together enough for a meal?” Dawoud lamented.

Meanwhile, Ra'if Ghnaim, a 75-year-old retired public servant, worries about the traditional practice of gifting money to children at the conclusion of the fasting month. “We want to celebrate this holy time, but with such limitations, how will we manage?” he pondered, sharing the sentiments of many grappling with the fallout from recent political changes and a struggling economy.

The challenges presented by these economic reforms underscore the broader struggles faced by the nation post-civil war, where hope for renewal is met with grim realities. In a time that should embody gratitude and joy, many citizens find themselves navigating a landscape of scarcity and uncertainty. As Ramadan approaches, the capital's streets reflect not only a spiritual undertaking but a stark reminder of the ongoing hardship that defines contemporary Syria.