Human development indicators reveal a catastrophic contraction of the Syrian economy since initial Arab Spring outbreaks began. Estimates suggest that growth has regressed some 35 years, proving to considerably exceed the toll of comparable prolonged conflicts experienced in other countries (UNDP, 2014).
Household purchasing power has diminished as a result of the government’s inability to address international sanctions, loss of infrastructure and a severe reduction of domestic production capacity. These crippling factors are predicted to stifle present and future generations for years to come.