A conference in Paris highlights Syria’s political revival and urgent need for financial aid amid extensive destruction. In Harasta, residents face devastation yet show optimism as businesses reopen and many return to contribute to reconstruction efforts. The transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizes the skills of Syrians in rebuilding, although skepticism remains regarding his promises. The EU has shown interest in investment, contingent on creating an inclusive society respecting minority rights. Hope persists among locals for a revitalized Syria.
Rebuilding Syria: A New Chapter Begins
Today, a conference in Paris is shedding light on the political revival in Syria, with a significant emphasis on the urgent need for financial assistance. The destruction of infrastructure across many regions remains staggering, and the costs of rebuilding are still undetermined.
Hope Amidst Ruins in Harasta
In Harasta, a city located on the outskirts of Damascus, the devastation is evident as most residences lie in ruins. Families are forced to live amidst the wreckage, with children emerging from the debris. The bombed structures pose a danger of collapse and lack basic amenities such as windows, leaving inhabitants vulnerable to the elements.
Despite these challenges, a wave of optimism is surfacing as people like Mohammed are returning to their hometowns. “Harasta felt lifeless in the past, but now the bakery, hairdresser, and auto mechanic have reopened. The local market is thriving again, even better than before,” he shares.
Since the fall of the Assad regime, many Syrians residing in Turkey are choosing to return to their homeland, eager to contribute to the rebuilding efforts. A young welder in his twenties expresses his aspirations, stating, “People are returning to restore our neighborhood. There’s a high demand for iron doors and windows, and I believe business will flourish.”
Harasta is emblematic of numerous towns and villages across Syria, which have endured over a decade of conflict between rebels and the military of Bashar al-Assad, leading to widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
Current estimates of the reconstruction costs remain elusive, but previous assessments from the United Nations suggested a staggering figure of approximately 400 billion US dollars. A pivotal figure in this process is Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The leader of the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who has recently faced criticism, now finds himself at the helm of the challenging task of rebuilding Syria. In a recent interview with Syria TV, he highlighted the strength and skills of his fellow citizens, stating, “Our people possess a robust work ethic and resilience. We can find all the necessary professionals to rebuild any sector, from engineers to construction workers.”
However, the repercussions of war have taken a toll, with many Syrians either losing their lives or fleeing abroad. Al-Sharaa is also counting on these expatriates, asserting that “a diverse economic team will be assembled, consisting of Syrians with valuable experience both domestically and internationally. These experts will analyze our economic data to formulate a strategic plan for the next decade.”
Presenting himself as a moderate leader, skepticism surrounding al-Sharaa’s promises persists. British Middle East expert H. A. Hellyer emphasizes that lifting sanctions is crucial for economic revival. Recently, the EU announced a temporary suspension of sanctions, particularly in the energy sector.
However, Hellyer argues that mere suspension is insufficient. “This does not foster an environment conducive to investment or security. A suspension can be reversed at any time,” he explains, advocating for a complete lifting of sanctions to facilitate lasting economic recovery.
There is a notable interest in investing in Syria, with the EU stipulating that al-Sharaa must ensure the rebuilding of an inclusive Syria that respects the rights of all religious and ethnic minorities, including women.
The interest in a revitalized Syria is palpable, as evidenced by the numerous foreign delegations visiting the country over the last two months. Al-Sharaa has also engaged with key partners in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, who play a vital role in the nation’s reconstruction.
For Mohammed, the craftsman from Harasta, optimism prevails. “With God’s will, Syria will rise again. We are determined to rebuild and restore our homeland,” he affirms.