The Long Road to Recovery in Syria: Lessons from Jobar’s Devastation
Syria faces immense challenges in recovery, particularly in Jobar, following years of civil war destruction. The new leader, Ahmad Al Shara, creates hope for rebuilding, yet significant obstacles such as property rights issues, resource shortages, and international distrust remain. Locals express concerns over potential profiteering and invest in infrastructure amidst ongoing economic and security uncertainties.
In December, prior to the fall of his regime, Syrian dictator Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma undertook victory tours of recaptured rebel territories. Their visit to the devastated Jobar area in 2018 showcased the extent of destruction witnessed during the civil war, where the regime’s artillery and air strikes virtually obliterated the town. Following Jobar’s surrender, regime supporters created artwork emphasizing martyrdom, contrasting the grim realities faced by civilians during the conflict.
Jobar’s devastation illustrates the monumental challenges Syria faces for reconstruction, which involve international consensus and significant financial investment. Compounded by shortages of resources and skilled workers, the country’s volatile exchange rate and liquidity issues further exacerbate business operations. A report from the UN reveals that one-third of homes in Syria were damaged or destroyed, highlighting the pressing need for infrastructural recovery.
Under the Assad regime’s five-decade rule, a lack of legal clarity regarding property rights has created significant obstacles to reconstruction, especially in regions like Jobar. As the new leadership emerges in Syria, individuals such as Haitham Al Bakhit, who witnessed both the siege and subsequent rebuilding efforts, return to the ruins, grappling with the town’s past and uncertain future.
Local residents are wary of potential profiteering, especially with outside interests considering property investments in Jobar. Past experiences of property expropriation without compensation have bred distrust among locals, who fear further alienation from their heritage. The complex ownership landscape demands regulatory clarity to facilitate potential investment.
Despite the risks and uncertainties, there are signs of potential improvement as the new leader, Ahmad Al Shara, promises a fresh approach to governance. However, Western diplomatic caution persists; substantial funding hinges on Shara’s ability to navigate geopolitical dynamics and display responsible governance. Experts warn of urgent structural reforms and the need for a capable administrative apparatus to restore public confidence in recovery efforts.
Efforts to attract investments remain critically impacted by pervasive security concerns and institutional weaknesses. Prospective investors cite the need for sustainable governance structures akin to those successfully established in neighboring countries. Currently, many observers foresee a gradual, localized rebuilding process led by private initiatives rather than large-scale state projects due to a lack of confidence in public infrastructure.
The path to recovery in Syria, particularly in regions like Jobar, is fraught with substantial challenges, including the need for clarity in property rights, effective governance under new leadership, and substantial international investment. The lingering effects of the civil war, coupled with a skeptical public and an uncertain economic landscape, complicate efforts for meaningful reconstruction. A cautious yet hopeful outlook among locals hinges on addressing these obstacles promptly and responsibly.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
