Syria and the U.S. holding post-war reconstruction talks in Jordan

Syria and the U.S. holding post-war reconstruction talks in Jordan

Syria is on the path to rebuilding its post-war economy, with a focus on critical infrastructure restoration, return of refugees, and significant international investments. On Tuesday, a meeting in Jordan will discuss these efforts and seek ways to secure foreign investment for Syria's reconstruction.

The meeting, attended by US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani, among others, aims to facilitate reconstruction and support Syria's economic recovery.

Key details of the reconstruction efforts revolve around large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation, such as the new airport and subway construction in Damascus. These projects, seen as transformative changes for the country, extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life, according to Talal Al Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority.

One of the major contributors to Syria's reconstruction is Qatar, which announced plans to invest between US$250-400 billion in January 2025. This includes commitments to supply electricity, infrastructure rehabilitation, humanitarian aid, and airport operations, as well as managing Syria's World Bank debt alongside Saudi Arabia.

Turkey is also involved, planning to supply 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Syria, aiming to generate 1,300 MW of electricity.

However, the reconstruction landscape is complex, with ongoing security risks and high sectarian tensions. The transitional Syrian government, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, faces challenges unifying diverse armed factions and integrating opposition groups into a national army. Without political legitimacy and stability, economic rebuilding risks failure or repeating past cycles of authoritarianism and conflict.

The political environment requires broad national reconciliation and institutional reforms as foundational elements for a successful reconstruction. Rebuilding the economy is intertwined with political reforms, including creating an inclusive political dialogue, revising the constitution to decentralize power, and promoting judicial independence.

The reconstruction estimates are substantial, stretching into hundreds of billions of dollars, necessitating coordinated international involvement beyond financing. The UN has estimated that Syria's post-war reconstruction will cost more than $400 billion.

Despite these challenges, regional actors like Qatar and Turkey are committed to Syria's reconstruction, underscoring a collective determination to move towards a future in which Syria and all of its people can live in peace, security, and prosperity.

References:

1. Syria's Post-War Reconstruction: Challenges and Opportunities
2. Syria's Reconstruction: A Political and Economic Analysis
3. Syria's Reconstruction: A Political and Economic Analysis
4. Qatar's Role in Syria's Reconstruction
5. Turkey's Energy and Political Influence in Syria
6. The meeting in Jordan will discuss Syria's post-war reconstruction efforts, aiming to secure foreign investments for Syria's economy.
7. During the meeting, Thomas Barrack, US President Donald Trump's special envoy to Syria, will join Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani to facilitate Syria's economic recovery.
8. The reconstruction plans focus on large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation, including the construction of a new airport and subway in Damascus, with Talal Al Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, citing these projects as transformative changes.
9. Qatar has announced plans to invest between USD 250-400 billion in Syria's reconstruction by 2025, committing to supply electricity, infrastructure rehabilitation, humanitarian aid, and airport operations, among other contributions.
10. Additionally, Turkey plans to supply 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Syria, aiming to generate 1,300 MW of electricity.
11. Despite these promising investments, Syria's reconstruction landscape is complex, with ongoing security risks and high sectarian tensions, as the transitional Syrian government faces challenges unifying diverse armed factions and integrating opposition groups into a national army.
12. A successful reconstruction of Syria's economy is intertwined with political reforms, such as creating an inclusive political dialogue, revising the constitution to decentralize power, promoting judicial independence, and pursuing broad national reconciliation and institutional reforms.

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