2017-07-05 Wed

Syria is going to release a new 2,000-pound banknote since the currency notes which are already in circulation have worn out as per Bank officials. Syrian money is going to depict a portrait of President Bashar al-Assad for the first time ever.

Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000 as the president of Syria. He is an ophthalmologist and was a potential reformer. But he has been charged with human rights violations.

The earlier banknotes generally featured Hafez al-Assad or historical figures or sites. These depictions have had its political implications that arose due to conflicts between anti and pro-government bodies.

The new 2,000-pound bill is the highest denomination in the country which also indicates the economic downfall of Syria. The government, on the other hand, says that the new note will stabilise the economy. There have been reports that the plan to introduce these notes was approved many years back but was implemented recently after exchange-rate fluctuation reduced.