HOMS: Commercial activity in Homs’ Al-Bayada neighborhood is picking up as most residents return and an estimated 80 percent to 90 percent of shops reopen, helped by improvements in electricity, water and other basic services, residents and local officials said. Particularly in Al-Zeer Street, more shops are operating and more shoppers are present than a year ago, while commercial activities have become more diverse. Demand for shops and apartments has also increased. Real estate agent Maher Kan
