Economist Podcasts Syria’s condition: Bashar al-Assad
Jun 19, 2020
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the economic turmoil surrounding Bashar al-Assad's regime, focusing on the crippling sanctions and inflation affecting Syria. Callum Williams, a senior economics writer, dives into the complexities of reparations for American descendants of slaves, highlighting evolving public sentiment and moral imperatives. The conversation also touches on the role of corporate responsibility in addressing economic inequality and the unusual etiquette training for civil servants in South Asia, blending history and modern challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Syria's Economic Woes
- Assad's military gains haven't translated to economic stability.
- Syria faces severe economic hardship despite retaking major cities.
Self-Inflicted Economic Crisis
- Syria's economic problems are largely self-inflicted due to the war.
- Assad's regime is responsible for its economic woes, not just US sanctions.
Failed Support Systems
- Russia and Iran are more focused on extracting resources from Syria.
- Lebanon's economic collapse further compounds Syria's financial problems.