Syria's 'New Currency' Anxiety: The Propaganda Playbook Ignores Decades of Sanctions Warfare
📰 THE STORY: The New Arab reports on growing market anxiety in Syria as the government introduces a new 5,000-pound currency note, portraying it as a symptom of internal economic fragility, price volatility, and potential instability. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: In 2011, the US and its allies began a campaign of comprehensive sanctions against Syria, escalating with the
Caesar Act in 2020. These sanctions target the Syrian central bank, oil sector, and virtually all economic activity, explicitly designed to 'prevent the Assad regime from garnering resources' and force 'a political solution.' This isn't just an 'internal' economic problem; it's a direct consequence of a decade-plus economic war waged by Western powers. Double Standard: When Venezuela faced
currency crises under crushing US sanctions (e.g., in 2018-2020), media often highlighted government mismanagement. Yet, when sanctions are applied to nations like Russia, Western outlets frequently boast about their 'impact' and 'crippling' effects. In Syria's case, the self-inflicted nature of these economic wounds is whitewashed, framing it as an organic 'market anxiety' rather than a
deliberate act of economic warfare. Follow the Money: The 'humanitarian exceptions' to sanctions are notoriously difficult to navigate, creating a chilling effect that deters international businesses and aid organizations. US defense contractors benefit from prolonged regional instability, while think tanks funded by Gulf states and Western governments continually advocate for 'maximum pressure'