Government-imposed limits force Syrians to spend hours in line to withdraw paltry amounts from ATMs.

Even if a patron successfully reaches the front of a line, the ATM might shut down because of electricity cuts — or run out of bills.

DAMASCUS, Syria — Standing in the dilapidated ATM hall of his bank, Maher Elias huffed a sigh equal parts exasperation and exhaustion. Around him were lines dozens of people deep, all of them, like the 59-year-old Elias, waiting in the sweltering heat to withdraw cash.

Ahead of him was a wait of at least three hours — assuming the ATM didn’t shut down from electricity cuts or run out of bills. On one of the hottest days in the Damascene summer, his words interrupted by the occasional argument between other vexed patrons, Elias spoke while his eyes remain

See Full Page