It's been four-plus years since the conflict began in Syria, creating an economic crisis.
As families continue to struggle, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week announced incentives for his employees to stay — salary raises and more lenient tax laws.
The government said it'll be increasing salaries by 2,500 pounds a month for workers with jobs in the public sector. That amounts to $13. Finance Minister Ismael Ismael was quoted as saying the salary increases will apply starting Oct. 1.
Civil and military employees in the ministries will also see the minimum salary to have to pay taxes, from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds, according to Arabic media reports.
The raise hasn't stopped some Arabic media reports from being highly critical of the move. Yom Yat Kzefeh, "Diary of a Mortar Shell in Damascus," said the minimal increase will do little to nothing to improve the quality of life.
Assad is still facing pressure from the international community to step down. Human rights organizations continue to speak out against the administration's barrel bombs, chemical attacks and other atrocities.
Assad certainly needs more support from the Syrian population, but a $13 monthly raise may not cut it.
By Hayat Norimine
