State of the World from NPR The Significance of Bread Lines in Syria
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Jan 7, 2025 In the wake of a new interim government in Syria, long bread lines have become a stark symbol of its struggles. Personal stories illuminate the rising bread prices and the everyday hardships citizens face. The podcast dives into the political weight of these bread lines, exploring their implications for international relations and the broader economic challenges at play. Through this lens, we see how daily life intertwines with the country's shifting political landscape.
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Breadlines in Damascus
- Long bread lines plague Damascus, with bread costing 10 times more than under Assad's rule.
- One woman buys 48 pieces, just a few days' supply for most Syrian families.
Rahaf's Story
- Rahaf, a mother of eight, jokes she's "only alive because she's not dead."
- Syrians avoid giving full names due to fear of reprisals for discussing the sensitive topic of bread lines.
Bread's Political Significance
- Bread is politically sensitive in Syria, so Assad subsidized it heavily, though it was scarce.
- The bread crisis contributed to Assad's downfall and poses a threat to the new regime.