Gridlocked: Why Syria’s future hinges on its energy sector

Gridlocked: Why Syria’s future hinges on its energy sector

Damascus, Syria - With electricity only available a few hours a day, there is little relief from the sweltering heat these days in Damascus. But US President Donald Trump's decision to lift long-standing sanctions on Syria in May, and a rash of recent energy deals, are triggering optimism that Syria’s electricity woes may soon begin to slacken. Years of fighting, neglect and corruption have crippled over 50% of Syria's energy grid, with capacity…