date:May 20, 2013
lion people in need of aid.
According to the U.N.'s World Food Programme, the price of wheat flour in Damascus has doubled since December.
The situation is worse in rebel-held areas outside of Assad's control. According to WFP data, bread in the northern commercial capital Aleppo is now available only for a market price 5-10 times the subsidised price in Damascus.
Still, the resumption of foreign purchases suggests Assad has been able to secure supplies to help meet shortfalls.
Despite inter