Hardship deepens amidst Syria's frozen conflict

People wait to buy bread outside a bakery in Jaramana, on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, January 25, 2022. REUTERS/Yamam al Shaar

DAMASCUS/BEIRUT (Reuters) - After her son was killed fighting for the Syrian government in 2013, the state began paying Amouna al-Berri a monthly salary which easily covered all her household expenses.

Today, the "martyrs salary" - given to families of people who have died for Damascus in the 11-year long war - barely pays for her diabetes medicine.