Syria is retiring more than its old banknotes. In Syria Closes the Chapter on the ‘Assad Pound.’ The new Syrian pound removes two zeros from the old currency, with 100 old pounds exchanged for one new pound. Economists also argue that replacing the notes could help regulate the money supply, combat counterfeiting and encourage cash to return to the banking system. Alabi’s full report examines whether Syria’s new currency can accomplish something no printing press can produce on its own: restoring public confidence in the Syrian pound.