Syrians can still dial an international number and get online via modem. So you are better off sending money to aid organisations to pay the phone bill.
It was posted that international calling has also been disabled, as well as cellular I believe. Unfortunately, I can't locate the source.
It is the same source in which it stated that the data center that handled the BGP routes was being held by 6 remaining techs whose current location is now unknown.
I wish I could find the link as it proves much of what the OP posted. Not to mention I would love to see someone repair one, let alone four cables in fifteen minutes. Heck, I bet it may take more than fifteen minutes to cut one.
