Not only does it have Bashar's face on it, it is by far the largest banknote in Syria ever. Even before the war, Syria under the socialist Baath party
was turned into a welfare state. Free housing. Free education. Free healthcare. Population went from 4 million in 1960 to 20 million in 2010.
Overpopulation put too much strain on natural resources, the workforce became lazy and unproductive because of mass welfare, and society collapsed
into war. The war only made matters worse. Even though population was going down for a few years, it is once again increasing, forcing hyperinflation
to deepen.
Russia is not in Syria to help Assad either. They are in Syria to make sure they keep their military bases. Ian is not in Syria to help Assad. They
are there to create a land link from Iran to Lebanon.
Apparently, the Syrians are the only people in Syria looking out for their own interests. Everybody else who is there seems to be after their own
motives.