Inside >> No. 10 MSF Suspends Danish Immigration Damascus Declares Telecom Trouble as Activities in Wake Authorities Strip 94 Russia Will Provide MTN Comes into of Deadly Fire in Syrian Refugees of Wheat Aid (Again) Asma Al-Assad’s ‘Unsafe’ Al-Hol Camp Residency Permits Past wheat aid from Orbit Security deterioration is the first Russia has frequently The fate of ’s prompts MSF to EU country to deem fallen short second-largest provider temporarily halt aid in Damascus safe Pg 6 is evidence of the First the camp for return Lady’s ambitions Pg 5 Pg 6 Pg 7

8 March 2021 | Vol. 4 | 8 March 2021 | Vol. Russia Destroys After Tafas Self-Administration ‘Cave’ Hospital in Meeting, Louka Announces Plan to Hama’s Kafr Zeita Agrees to Release Divide Deir-ez-Zor The ‘most secure health 30 Detainees into 4 Cantons facility in Syria’ is Detainee releases The move is important, demolished are good PR before but its potential impact Pg 7 upcoming elections is less certain date Pg 8 Pg 9

New Civil Status Law Raises Concerns Over Identity Cards and HLP Rights

> Page 2 Syria Up

Weekly Political, Economic, and Security Outlook Political, Weekly Syrian parliament approves new Civil Status Law. Source: Syrian Panorama 02 Syria Update | In-Depth Analysis

n 1 March, the Syrian People’s Assembly updated >the nation’s Civil Status Law. AlthoughO the update can be seen as a procedural refresher, it has sparked concerns inside Syria and abroad that it will leave without the means of renewing critically important national ID cards unless they can physically enter Government of Syria areas. The Government of Syria has downplayed these fears, yet worries over the law’s potential to disenfranchise Syrian identity card. Source: Enab Baladi and dispossess Syria’s displaced and refugee populations have persisted. notorious reconstruction-related Who would be affected laws, Law No. 10 and Decree No. 66. by the decision? Attention gravitated to Article 54 For many Syrians, the ID card of the law, which deals with the However, there is reason to doubt — which is issued to citizens renewal of personal identity cards, such a sweeping interpretation when they reach 14 years of age as a result of reporting by the Syrian of the article is on the cards — at — represents their only proof of Arab News Agency, which singled least for the time being. Article identification. Many Syrians do out the article in its coverage of 54 recapitulates terms spelled not hold passports. As a result, a the update. Article 54 stipulates out in the 2007 Civil Status Law, particular concern pertains to those that identity cards remain valid for which were suspended when the who entered Lebanon using only 10 years, and they must be replaced Government of Syria opted not to their ID. It is unclear whether the not less than 30 days and not more issue new identity cards. Indeed, introduction of a new identity card than six months prior to their the validity of national ID cards will prohibit them from re-entering expiry. Many Syrians are currently may be extended on the basis of Syria in the future. Additionally, unable to renew their identity cards force majeure by decision of the the ID card is the key to accessing because they live abroad or they minister of interior. On 2 March, services and navigating Syria’s reside in areas of Syria where there the Ministry of Interior issued a bureaucracy, and it serves as a is no access to Government of Syria clarification stating that identity prerequisite for the issuance of civil institutions. The potential cards currently in use will remain other government documents and impact of invalidating the IDs valid until the Government of Syria certificates. Crucially, identity cards held by such individuals could be announces the issuance of a new are necessary for housing, land, staggering. Inside Syria, national style of ID. For Syrians, that is cold and property (HLP) transactions. ID cards are critical for accessing comfort. Plans have circulated for a Affected individuals may be locked government services, making new ID format that will reportedly out of HLP dealings, such as selling property-related transactions, support biometric data, and it their property or legally appointing and receiving NGO-administered will link to the status of criminal a sponsor to manage their assets. aid. For Syrians in neighboring charges against the cardholder, states, the ID cards often serve as introducing further legal barriers The new law therefore raises a primary travel document. If IDs to movement and access to services. acute worry over the properties were invalidated, it would create Although it is not clear when the of displaced individuals, a chief the grounds for potential property new IDs will be issued, rollout will concern of the Syria response. concerns on a level not mooted since once again revive the concerns now As such, the law may have a the introduction of Syria’s most circulating over Article 54. disproportionate negative impact In-Depth Analysis | Syria Update 03

on the large number of former charges to apply for new civil opposition supporters who were documentation. However, this forcibly displaced as a result of Ministry of Interior decision is military activities or reconciliation. unlikely to prompt the Syrian Identity cards are also presumed population to apply for missing to be crucial for voting, including documents or new identity cards, in the presidential election this especially given that they need to year. Bringing in new identity interact with the state to secure cards and invalidating old ones such documents; those who avoid prior to upcoming elections risks interaction with the Government out disenfranchising Syrians who of fear of reprisal or detention are, reside outside of Government- thus, incapable of benefitting from controlled areas or live abroad. If such decrees. It is quite possible the Government were to facilitate that the Syrian Government, by access to IDs for Syrians abroad, amending the Civil Status Law, is it would likely use this step as a looking to formalise and digitise show of goodwill to legitimise the information about citizens, whether electoral process. residing in Syria or abroad – thus increasing the ease with which Currently, ID renewal requires the population can be surveilled, physical return to Government- monitored, and monitised. controlled areas in Syria, and Syrian Moreover, the furor generated by embassies do not renew such cards the event echoes the public outrage for Syrians abroad. However, if the caused by ambiguous statements Government of Syria were to begin by public officials concerning the issuing IDs through embassies, it confiscation of properties earlier would likely do so with the hopes this year. Many Syrians viewed the of generating revenues. ID renewal earlier confiscation rumours as a inside Syria costs approximately cynical ploy to push draft dodgers to 1,000 SYP; given that the law does sell their properties rather than risk not specify the renewal process confiscation (see:Syria Update 22 for Syrians outside the country, February 2021). All told, the events the Government has latitude to demonstrate that – regardless of impose substantial renewal costs, intent – low trust in Government as it has done with the issuance institutions will make these legal of passports and other documents, updates hard to implement. which routinely cost hundreds of dollars (see: Syria Update 21 December 2020).

Keeping tabs on the population This new Civil Status Law came into force shortly after the Ministry of Interior reached a decision that eases the process for acquiring other civil documentation (see: Syria Update 1 March 2020). The decision effectively removed the conditions that prevented individuals with outstanding 2 4 DENMARK VARIOUS LOCATIONS TURKEY Danish Immigration Telecom Trouble as MTN Malikiyeh Authorities Strip 94 Syrian Comes into Asma Al-Assad’s Quamishli Refugees of Residency Permits Orbit Jarablus Tell Abiad Azaz Tal Tamer Menbij Afrin Al-Hasakeh Al Bab Ein Issa Aleppo Al-Hol camp

Ar-Raqqa Idleb Saraqab 1 Ma'arrat Lattakia At-Tabqa An Nu'man MSF Suspends Activities Deir-Ez-Zor Kafr Zeita in Wake of Deadly Fire 5 Hama in ‘Unsafe’ Al-Hol Camp Russia Destroys ‘Cave’ Tartus Hospital in Hama’s Kafr Zeita Homs Tadmor Abu Kamal

LEBANON 7 Beirut Duma Self-Administration 3 Damascus Announces Plan to Divide Deir-ez-Zor into 4 Cantons IRAQ Damascus Declares As-Sanamayn Russia Will Provide Quneitra 6 Wheat Aid (Again) Tafas After Tafas Meeting, As-Sweida Dar'a Louka Agrees to Release 30 Detainees JORDAN Community Size

Syria Update a new network of Syrian researchers who will contribute to research Greater than Less than he Wartime and Post- informing international policy and 1,000,000 1,000 Conflict Syria project practice related to their country. T (WPCS) is funded by the European Union and implemented The content compiled and presented through a partnership between by COAR is by no means exhaustive the European University and does not reflect COAR’s formal Humantarian Social Security Institute (Middle East Directions position, political or otherwise, Issues Programme) and the Center on the aforementioned topics. The for Operational Analysis and information, assessments, and Research (COAR). WPCS will analysis provided by COAR are only to provide operational and strategic inform humanitarian and development analysis to policymakers and programs and policy. While this Regional Economy Governance programmers concerning prospects, publication was produced with the Intervention challenges, trends, and policy options financial support of the European with respect to a mid-conflict and Union, its contents are the sole ■ Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) post-conflict Syria. WPCS also aims responsibility of COAR Global LTD, ■ Islamic State (IS) to stimulate new approaches and and do not necessarily reflect the ■ policy responses to the Syrian conflict views of the European Union. Turkish-backed opposition groups through a regular dialogue between ■ Armed Oppostion Groups (AOGs) researchers, policymakers and donors, Contact: ■ Government of Syria (GoS) and implementers, as well as to build [email protected] 05 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

1 While some attribute the incidents to Islamic State (IS) affiliates and sleeper MSF Suspends cells, it is important to avoid affixing Activities in Wake the IS label carelessly. of Deadly Fire in ‘Unsafe’ Al-Hol and several water and sanitation settling between residents of the Camp programmes. Relatedly, on 3 March, camp. To the extent that this is AL-HOL CAMP, AL-HASAKEH the Syrian Democratic Forces true, the continued return of GOVERNORATE (SDF) barred the entry of a French al-Hol residents to their home delegation, comprising 4 MPs, to communities in Syria may be an n 24 February, a Médecins al-Hol. The delegation was important pressure release valve, O Sans Frontières (MSF) staff reportedly intending to visit the but it will not be a papancea, given member was killed in a tent in camp to check on the status of the camp’s large foreign population. al-Hol camp by unknown actors, French nationals residing in al-Hol. In addition to deliberate violence, according to the organisation. al-Hol has also experienced the Separately, on 27 February, a fire Now what? fallout of accidental and unintended broke out in a tent where camp MSF’s temporary suspension incidents — such as cooking-gas residents were celebrating a wedding of activities offers a glimpse of fires — which are sometimes passed ceremony, resulting in the deaths of further access challenges to come off as security incidents by camp at least seven people. The 4-year-old as security conditions worsen, residents seeking money from daughter of an MSF staff member plunging the camp’s estimated online supporters of IS, while the was killed, along with three other 64,000 residents into further SDF itself also has incentive to children. The fire injured 70 people, misery. According to media trumpet the dangers as it seeks including three MSF staff members reports, at least 31 people have greater international support. and 15 children. Subsequent reports been killed in al-Hol camp since indicate that two individuals injured the beginning of 2021, of whom Calls to evacuate children from the in the fire have since died. the majority were reportedly shot; camp have intensified following given that 35 people were killed the deadly fire, with UNICEF These events come only weeks in the camp in all of 2020, this urging countries to repatriate after a UN special rapporteur on represents a grisly deterioration. the children of foreign nationals. the promotion and protection of The actors behind the killings However, barriers will be difficult human rights urged 57 countries to remain unknown. While some to overcome, especially for those repatriate their nationals residing attribute the incidents to Islamic who have attained the age of in al-Hol, in light of security State (IS) affiliates and sleeper majority. On 26 February, the incidents and unabated killings, cells, it is important to avoid United Kingdom’s Supreme Court which contribute to conditions that affixing the IS label carelessly. ruled that Shamima Begum, “may well amount to torture or Doing so shuts down debate and a British national who joined other cruel, inhuman or degrading can justify both indifference and IS in 2015, could not return treatment or punishment under draconian approaches that prioritise to the UK to challenge that international law” (see: Syria perceived security interests above government’s decision to strip Update 15 February 2021). As all other considerations, including her of citizenship. This ruling per its 2 March announcement, humanitarian need and legal may set a precedent for the fate of MSF have temporarily suspended principles. Some observers have foreign nationals residing in the outreach activities within al-Hol blamed the violence in part on camp, particularly Britons. But it camp, including medical assistance tribal and interpersonal score- should not distract from the fact Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 06

that the camp population remains Out of the frying pan, that further pressures to migrate are overwhelmingly composed of into the fire in all likelihood growing. children and women, only a small Denmark has yet not voiced plans fraction of whom are thought to return the affected refugees to to be committed IS supporters. Syria, although they will reportedly 3 Approaches to repatriation, return, be moved to camps inside Denmark, and reintegration must therefore widely seen as a first step toward factor in this reality. Meanwhile, eventual deportation. Stripping deterioration of the humanitarian Syrians of residency permits Damascus Declares and security situation in the plunges them into legal, economic, camp shows no signs of abating, and social limbo, and it sends a Russia Will Provide especially given the suspension of warning to other would-be programmes and rising concerns asylum-seekers. Wheat Aid (Again) over the spread of COVID-19. DAMASCUS The move has Denmark is the first EU state to determine that the 2 Damascus area is safe for return. n 1 March, media sources Certainly, violent conflict has O reported that the Syrian diminished in Syria, particularly ambassador to Russia had announced around Damascus and especially that an agreement recently signed Danish so since the onset of the COVID-19 between Russia and Syria would pandemic. Yet other conditions in provide Syria with shipments of Immigration the country have worsened at an Russian wheat, oil derivatives, and accelerating pace. Economic misery other goods needed to fill the “needs Authorities Strip 94 has ballooned and social conditions of the Sryian people” via a “long- Syrian Refugees of have deteriorated as services falter term line.” Ambassador Riad Haddad and the Syrian state veers toward stated that the first shipments were Residency Permits collapse. Denmark’s decision set to arrive in Damascus, Homs, DENMARK advertises that it is not a stable and Hama governorates throughout place for relocation; this approach March and April. A separate may well discourage Syrians from agreement has also been reached n 25 February, media sources seeking refuge in the country in between Syria and Turkey, mediated O reported that 94 Syrian the future. There is a risk that other by Russia, which will allow the refugees had either been stripped EU states will follow suit, setting Turkish-backed Syrian National of their Danish residency or off a domino effect that will leave Army to transfer grain reserves refused renewal in the past year. Syrians with fewer options as they to Government-controlled areas The 94 are some of a reported seek so-called durable solutions in Aleppo. 461 Syrians determined by the to escape the grinding misery Danish authorities to have come that permeates Syria. Despite the Short-term solutions to to Denmark from the Damascus political salience of refugee issues a long-term problem area. After a screening process, the in Europe and elsewhere, the Food insecurity and wheat shortages immigration authorities reportedly European Asylum Support Office in Government of Syria–controlled stripped these people of the right to reports that asylum claims dropped areas in particular have been a live in Denmark, because they deem 31 percent in 2020. At 14 percent, priority concern for the international Damascus and Rural Damascus Syrians accounted for the largest community for more than a year. to be safe for return. As in other proportion of applicants. That said, Such concerns are especially acute countries of asylum, the status of COVID-related shrinking of asylum now, given that roughly two-third Syrians in Denmark is a flashpoint claims should not be taken as a new of Syrians have been declared food issue that has split domestic normal, particularly in the case of insecure, according to WFP. That political parties. Syria. Conditions in Syria are such said, it is not immediately clear how 07 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

much wheat aid Russia will provide. 21.5 percent of its profits. The is evidence of the potential for Haddad’s statement suggests that court decision places MTN under regime-linked figures to use power basic needs would be met, yet it is the effective control of Teleinvest. and prominence to seize the upper worth noting that earlier promises Teleinvest already owns 25 percent hand in profitable sectors. It is also for such support from Russia have of MTN Syria’s shares and it has indicative of the risks that exist for gone unfulfilled. On the contrary, been involved, since August 2020, foreign investors. Such events may in late 2020, it was reported that in negotiations to purchase MTN be a disincentive to investment of Russia had deliberately withheld Global’s share in the company the type that will be needed to halt wheat aid as a means of pressuring — a 75 percent stake — for $65 the country’s economic collapse and the Syrian Government — although million. In May 2020, the Syrian provide sustainable labour growth its exact aims were unclear. Indeed, Telecommunication Regulatory in a post-conflict environment. Russia’s apparent willingness Authority (STRA) demanded that to stand by as ordinary Syrians MTN and Syriatel, the country’s two suffer has been a chief criticism telecoms operators, pay 233 billion 5 launched at Moscow by the Syrian SYP in recompense for alleged fraud street. Reaching a deal to support (see: Syria Update 4 May 2020). Syrians’ needs now may be a Both firms initially refused to pay means for Moscow to whitewash up, and Syriatel was brought under Russia Destroys its image, quell criticisms, and state control soon thereafter as its reduce social tensions ahead of the chief, Rami Makhlouf, was felled in a ‘Cave’ Hospital in presidential elections. Likewise, struggle for influence within Syria’s the volume of wheat expected to ruling Assad regime. MTN paid a Hama’s Kafr Zeita reach Government-held areas via token 1.25 billion SYP, nonetheless KAFR ZEITA, HAMA GOVERNORATE Turkey is expected to be modest. leaving it with a massive deficit that That said, both wheat deals hint that is among the main reasons for the n 1 March, Russian media further cooperation to put bread on latest court decision. O agency Zvezda News the table in Government-held areas published a video showing Russian are possible. Asma, telecom kingmaker forces blowing up the Cave Central Within a period of less than seven Hospital (rebranded in 2016 to months, Syria’s two telecoms become the Martyr Dr Hassan 4 operators have been brought under Muhammad al-Araj Hospital) in direct control of the Government Kafr Zeita, northern rural Hama. The of Syria. The latest decision buoys hospital, which has been known at Teleinvest, a company under the times as al-Kahif or al-Maghara, was Telecom Trouble management of the Ibrahim located inside an artificial cave set family — specifically Nisreen who( inside a rocky outcropping. It was as MTN Comes is under U.S. sanction), Rana, established in 2015, due to the need and Yasser — which is believed to in opposition areas for a fortified into Asma be close to First Lady Asma al- healthcare facility protected from Al-Assad’s Orbit Assad. The fall of Rami Makhlouf Russian and Government of Syria and Syriatel and the suspected bombardment. Roman Bismartni, VARIOUS LOCATIONS capture of MTN by individuals the head of the Russian engineering close to al-Assad are evidence forces, said that “destroying the n February 25, the Damascus of the First Lady’s interest in hospital aims to prevent its being O Administrative Court placed telecoms, which is among the most used again in the future.” He added: Syrian telecommunications operator profitable sectors in Syria. MTN “This is one of the most equipped MTN in curatorship, on charges registered profits of1.6 billion places found by the Russian forces. that it had violated the terms of SYP in the third quarter of 2020, It is a modern hospital receiving its license and failed to fulfil its following the Syriatel crackdown. outpatients, carrying out complex financial commitment toward The apparent skullduggery at play operations, and accommodating up the state — namely turning over in syrian telecommunications to 100 people.” The hospital was Whole of Syria Review | Syria Update 08

vacated, and its equipment and seems to be seeking to annihilate Additionally, local and media staff members relocated to Idleb the capacity of local communities sources reported security tension Governorate, before the Government to undertake governance activities in Jasem city, northern Dar’a, where of Syria retook control of Kafr Zeita, in parallel to the Government in the State Security Branch arrested in August 2019. future. Undermining facilities and a former opposition commander, structures built during the period Wael Khalil al-Jalm. Al-Jalm was End of a era of opposition control is particularly refused reconciliation during a new The hospital was among the most worrying now, given the growing round of deals in the area several effective in Syria’s opposition- need for such capacity, especially months ago. Following his arrest, controlled areas, serving more than in the context of the COVID-19 local armed groups surrounded 50,000 people and carrying out pandemic. State Security Branch fighters around 150 medical operations inside their headquarters in the per month. Its destruction by Jasem culture centre, in an effort to Russia is not only a powerful blow 6 force the release of the commander. to the civil infrastructure that According to local sources, Hussam buttressed the armed opposition, Louka and notables of Jasem it also embodies the approach intervened to reduce the tension and by Russia and the Government After Tafas secure the release of the detainee. of Syria to the health sector in opposition-controlled areas. During Meeting, Louka Dar’a remains unreconciled the conflict, healthcare facilities The Syrian Government — with have been among the most heavily Agrees to Release Russian support — is seeking targeted sites in northwest Syria 30 Detainees stability and community acceptance in particular, while healthcare of its presence in southern Syria, workers have been among the TAFAS, DAR’A GOVERNORATE seen as an imperative ahead of groups most marginalised public upcoming presidential elections. workers in communities recaptured ocal and media sources However, its efforts to achieve by the Government, as additional L reported that, on 27 February, these goals are still viewed as restrictions have been imposed Hussam Louka, the director of being largely superficial and on employing health workers or Syria’s General Intelligence and head ineffective. Security chaos and re-opening health facilities in of the Security Committee, agreed instability have become the such areas (see: What Remains?: to release 30 detainees, during most prominent features of the A Postmortem Analysis of the a meeting between the Central landscape in southern Syria. Dar’a Cross-Border Response in Dar’a). Negotiations Committee and the Governorate recorded more than Between 2016 and 2019, the Cave Security Committee and the Russian 30 assassinations and attempted Central Hospital, which was funded Army in Tafas city, western Dar’a. assassinations in February, mostly by the Syrian American Medical The agreement came in response to targeting former members of Society (SAMS), was deliberately the negotiation committee’s request the opposition and security and bombed at least five times by for the release of 57 detainees. Local military officers affiliated with Russia and the Government of sources indicated that the agreement the Government. The Syrian Syria (in April 2016, October 2016, came during a routine meeting to Government continues to fall short April 2017, February 2018, and discuss the general situation in of meeting the terms of the fragile May 2019). One bombing led to Dar’a, though it also touched on the 2018 reconciliation agreements; the death of Hasan al-Araj, the detainees’ file. Such meetings are a it remains consequential that former head of the Free Hama direct result of the February military authorities have failed to follow Health Directorate. escalation in Dar’a Governorate, through on the release of detainees, which ended with an agreement while they continue to bar former The hospital’s destruction between the Central Negotiations state employees from returning is altogether worrying. By Committee and the Security to work. The latest detainee demolishing the Cave Central Committee (see: Syria Update releases advanced by Louka Hospital, the Government of Syria 15 February 2021). are emblematic of the Syrian 09 Syria Update | Whole of Syria Review

Government’s approach to the stabilisation and counterterror detainee releases, which it has initiatives. Any change to carried out only incrementally and administrative procedures, entry only when needed as a bargaining points, or access will be of foremost chip with the Central Negotiations concern to aid implementers. Committee. That said, the latest The administrative partitioning release is limited in scope and offers the Self-Administration an does nothing for the detainees opportunity to respond to local whose fate was at issue at the time criticism of the SDF, as cleaving the of reconciliation. area into smaller, semi-independent cantons creates space for more localised authority. However, 7 this strategy is unlikely to pave over existing inequities in the region. It is still unclear how these administrative changes will unfold. Self-Administration Local sources indicate that the true impact of the initiative will not be Announces Plan to clear for some time.

Divide Deir-ez-Zor That said, any change will into 4 Cantons have potential impact for the international Syria response, given SDF-CONTROLLED DEIR-EZ-ZOR the importance of the region itself. GOVERNORATE The area is home to the most important oil reserves in Syria. It n 24 February, media has also witnessed the greatest O sources reported that the incidence of IS-linked attacks in Self-Administration will divide the northeast writ large. Devolution SDF-controlled areas of Deir-ez-Zor of administrative authorities to Governorate into four cantons. These local actors can be construed as cantons will reportedly be run by a concession to local grievances semi-independent administrations. against the Kurdish-dominated Self- Reportedly, the Self-Administration Administration, but implementation decided to take this step in order to may be a hard sell. The area in appease the Arab tribes in the region, question is the least receptive to in light of the protests against the the Self-Administration’s ruling SDF. The four cantons will reportedly paradigm and ideology. Any be managed by administrations administration in the area must composed of 42 members from the contend with fervid social and tribal local community, who will be elected tensions; assassinations and feuds according to a list put forward by the are common. Deir-ez-Zor Civil Council.

Changes in the works The SDF-held portions of Deir- ez-Zor in the middle and lower Euphrates River Valley are among the most intensely conflict-affected areas of Syria, and they are viewed as a linchpin of donor-supported 10 Syria Update | Open Source Annex

>> Open Source Annex The Open Source Annex highlights key media reports, research, and primary documents that are not examined in the Syria Update. For a continuously updated collection of such records, searchable by geography, theme, and conflict actor — and curated to meet the needs of decision-makers — please see COAR’s comprehensive online search platform Alexandrina. Note: These records are solely the responsibility of their creators. COAR does not necessarily endorse — or confirm — the viewpoints expressed by these sources.

European Document Rejects 2021 One Month Since Autonomous Damascus Receives 2.1 Billion SYP Syrian Presidential Elections Administration Stopped Fuel Parking Allowance Supplies to Syrian Regime What Does it Say: European countries What Does it Say: The director of are holding meetings to approve a What Does it Say: The Self- transport in Damascus announced an document that stipulates their rejection Administration has stopped selling oil agreement with a private company to of the 2021 Syrian elections, which are to the Government of Syria, likely at the create a parking system in order to based on the 2012 constitution. behest of the U.S. rationalise the city’s frenetic parking Reading Between the Lines: Russia and Reading Between the Lines: The SDF’s situation and produce revenue for Iran are hoping that the 2021 election willingness to comply with Washington’s the Government. will herald a shift in the international preference to isolate the Government Reading Between the Lines: The view of Syria. That is unlikely. Western of Syria suggests that the Self- Government is trying to come up with actors must determine how to balance Administration has greater confidence many projects in order to generate a principled approach against the in continuing U.S. support, which will be revenue; this parking system is just the pragmatic reality that leverage to shape vital as it risks antagonising Damascus latest one. events inside Syria is highly limited. by denying cross-line oil sales. Source: Watan Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Source: Enab Baladi Language: Language: English Language: English Date: 1 March 2021 Date: 2 March 2021 Date: 27 February 2021 Open Source Annex | Syria Update 11

>> Open Source Annex Continued

Hourly Black Market Exchange Arbitrary Imprisonment and a repeat of the 2019 Turkish Invasion of Rates and Gold Prices in Syria Detention: Report of the northeastern Syria. The group claimed By City Commission of Inquiry of the Syrian that Erdogan’s imperial ambitions extend, Arab Republic “beyond crushing the Kurds, to harassing What Does it Say: The tool charts the practically all of Turkey’s neighbors in a bid black market exchange rate for the What Does it Say: The extensive report to re-establish a new Ottoman Caliphate.” Syrian pound on an hourly basis. documents significant human rights The SDF will find a more sympathetic Reading Between the Lines: The tool is abuses, detentions, and torture, which audience in the Biden administration, but a useful compendium for those following it says is being conducted by both the how exactly such support will materialise the crisis, particularly as Syria’s currency Government of Syria and smaller groups. remains unclear. continues to depreciate, driving up the Reading Between the Lines: Source: Foreign Lobby price for safe haven currencies and Disappearances and detentions are Language: English alternatives such as gold. prolonging suffering for hundreds Date: 16 February 2021 Source: Karam Shaar of thousands of families, some of Language: English and Arabic whom have not heard from their Date: 4 March 2021 relatives in nearly 10 years. Detention Salary Statistics for Groups in Syria: remains a foremost concern for Syrian The Difference a Between Doctorate- communities. Resolving detainee Holder and a High-School Graduate is A Decade of Destruction: Attacks on issues will be a necessary first step for Only 7,000 SYP Healthcare in Syria stabilising conflict-affected communities and, perhaps some day, achieving justice What Does it Say: The article spells out the What Does it Say: Healthcare facilities and reconciliation. floor and ceiling salaries for public-sector are protected under international law, Source: United Nations Human Rights wages in Syria. however, in Syrian they have become Council Reading Between the Lines: The holder one of the most feared locations as they Language: English of a high school diploma can earn a have repeatedly come under attack. Date: 2 March 2021 monthly salary of 50,430 SYP, while a According to the WHO, around 70 doctorate-holder will start at 57,495 SYP. percent of the healthcare workforce has Both salaries amount to less than $20, fled the country as a result. Erdogan-bashing Kurdish Advocacy evidencing the dire economic situation and Reading Between the Lines: The Group Lobbies Biden for Reset with the abysmal value of the Syrian currency. remaining healthcare workers face a Syrian Kurds Source: SP Today significant lack of medical equipment, Language: Arabic medicine, and access. Donor funding What Does it Say: The non-profit Justice Date: 3 march 2021 could mitigate some of these hurdles, for Kurds group hired a law firm to lobby while there is a concern that unless the Biden administration, hoping to skilled healthcare workers can be secure a more favourable partnership brought into the workforce in the with the SDF than was seen under the country, further programming entry Trump administration. points and opportunities will disappear. Reading Between the Lines: The Source: International Rescue Committee Kurdish lobbying group is likely Language: English attempting to gain the favor of the Date: 2 March 2021 Biden administration in order to avoid