Though Syria and the middle east are known for their oil exports, war and IDPs (internally displaced persons) have taken a toll on the economy.  From the report last updated in October of 2016, we see how many of the many of the middle eastern countries have been excepting or purposing taking funds from foreign entities including the U.S. to help support the growing refugee issue as well as the rebuilding of war torn areas.  This no doubt will have an impact on the areas exchange rate.  I know from personal experience when I was in Iraq in 2009, the Iraqi Dinar was far less of value than that of the U.S. dollar.  I could purchase 5250 Iraqi Dinar for only $5 American.  The situation at the time in Kuwait was considerably better as $5 American would only get you just over 3 Kuwaiti Dinar.  Needless to say, I passed on it.  At the time, Iraq was contemplating scraping their current currency since it was still heavily associated with the former dictator Suddam Hussain, and starting over.  Most of the primary concerns for these countries governments right now is to focus more on the macroeconomics of the country to help combat the issues that they face.  The main driving force for countries like Jordan and Lebanon are to keep schools and infrastructure operational and to help with the rising demand for everyday essentials due to the huge numbers that are flooding in holding refugee status. However, not all is rosy for all businesses. For an example, National Commercial Bank (Ranked #433 on the Global 2000) in Saudi Arabia. For them and other banks in the Middle East, business is down considerably and are suffering cuts in credit ratings due to a down economy.

Reference:

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/04/03/pressure-is-building-on-saudi-arabias-economy-but-riyadh-isnt-blinking-yet/#79199117e9e1

http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/syria/overview#2

Thanks,

Eric and Dustin