The reconstruction process in Syria.. Will it begin this year?

While estimates are conflicting about the cost of rebuilding Syria, ranging from 150 to 300 billion dollars, many Syrians are optimistic about the year 2025, as they believe that it may witness the beginning of the long-awaited reconstruction phase after years of devastation caused by the Assad regime.

Syrian diplomat Bashar al-Haj Ali indicated in his interview with “Arabi 21” that the year 2025 may be the beginning of the “preliminary steps” towards reconstruction, but he stressed that “the path towards sustainable reconstruction is still long and complicated.” Haj Ali explained that the reconstruction process is fundamentally linked to political stability in the country, stressing that Syria is still suffering from deep political divisions, which makes achieving a comprehensive national consensus an urgent necessity.

He also pointed out that the most prominent obstacles to the reconstruction process are “the absence of comprehensive political stability,” noting that the divisions between the various forces in Syria make it difficult to build a suitable environment to attract investments and the return of refugees. He pointed out that political stability is one of the basic foundations that contribute to providing a safe environment for implementing reconstruction projects.

The second obstacle mentioned by Haj Ali is the “continuation of international sanctions” imposed on Syria, which hinder the government from obtaining the necessary support to implement reconstruction projects. He said that easing these sanctions requires implementing major political reforms, which remains a complex matter.

The third challenge is “securing the necessary financing” for reconstruction, as this financing requires hundreds of billions of dollars, which is difficult to achieve in the absence of international consensus and sufficient economic support.

In addition to all of the above, the Syrian diplomat points out the degree of destruction of the large infrastructure, stressing that the comprehensive destruction requires huge efforts to rehabilitate basic services.

Positive indicators
For his part, the Executive Director of the Syrian Emergency Organization, Moaz Mustafa, expressed optimism that the reconstruction phase would begin soon, within the new year.

Mustafa told “Arabi 21”: “Reconstruction began with the influx of hundreds of Syrians into the country following the fall of the former regime, and it is important to lift American sanctions so that there are no obstacles to the reconstruction of Syria.”

He added that indicators in Washington confirm the presence of a positive approach by American officials, explaining that “the sanctions that targeted symbols of the former regime will remain, but the sanctions imposed on Syrian state institutions are no longer justified.” As a result of the disappearance of the causes of sanctions, which means the end of their causes.”

According to the organization’s executive director, the incoming Donald Trump administration “will not place obstacles to helping the Syrian people.” (Arabic 21)