The article examines Syria’s crucial path to recovery following the catastrophic destruction of areas like Jobar during the civil war. With Bashar Al Assad’s regime recently ousted, new leadership under Ahmad Al Shara faces immense challenges, including economic instability, lack of international investment, and property rights complexities. Hope remains for reconstruction, yet the difficulties are profound, with many citizens longing for a return amidst fears of conflict and inequitable practices.
In December, prior to the dissolution of his regime, Syria’s dictator Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma undertook victory tours of areas once held by rebels. Their 2018 visit to Jobar, a suburb of Damascus, reflected a striking disregard for the devastation wrought by the civil war, which had leveled nearly all of its structures. Despite the destruction, the couple admired sculptures created by art students in tunnels once utilized by rebel fighters, branding this as a celebration of ‘martyrdom and peace.’ Haitham Al Bakhit, a former construction worker who witnessed the horrors of the siege, emphasizes how the regime not only obliterated Jobar but also glorified its demise.
Jobar’s destruction symbolizes the enormous task of reconstruction facing Syria, compounded by the need for international investment and consensus. The new governing authority, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), faces a dire shortage of funds, raw materials, and energy resources. The country’s unstable currency and dwindling liquidity further complicate business operations, while many skilled workers have fled abroad. During the war, a UN report indicated that one in three homes in Syria suffered damage or complete destruction.
The arbitrary nature of the legal system under Assad contributed to a convoluted real estate market with unclear property rights. As a result, determining property ownership is fraught with difficulties, especially where buildings have been obliterated or repurposed by the regime’s elite. Recently, Al Bakhit returned to live near Damascus after being displaced, regularly visiting Jobar to witness the remnants of his hometown.
Al Bakhit recalls washing bodies in a hospital prior to its destruction. The process was then moved to an ancient synagogue, abandoned since the 1990s, which too was eventually damaged. In contrast, sculptures in the Jobar tunnel feature soldiers engaged in tender acts, showcasing a starkly different narrative than the reality of the regime’s oppressive security practices.
Ahmad Al Shara, who has recently assumed leadership and previously distanced himself from extremist affiliations, has vowed to restore the nation. Although some sanctions imposed during Assad’s era have been relaxed, the aid pledged falls significantly short of the monumental financial resources required for reconstruction. A senior diplomat noted that Europe seems more inclined to provide assistance, yet Al Shara must demonstrate stability and avoid conflict with Israel to secure significant aid, which could also yield US commercial interest.
Hope persists among Syrians for a bright future, contingent upon Al Shara’s ability to widen his government to include proficient personnel acceptable to international donors. Presently, the country’s economic infrastructure remains stagnant, with officials struggling to pay even modest salaries. Business leaders express fears of public discontent should conditions fail to improve swiftly.
Jobar offers little indication of impending improvement. During a recent visit, potential buyers from Lebanon inquired about properties, highlighting the complicated ownership claims stemming from centuries-old records. Al Bakhit expressed his concern that the rise of profiteering might preclude the possibility of returning to Jobar, where property ownership is more clearly defined than in the broader capital.
The haunting specter of previous expropriations without just compensation deters investors from engaging in reconstruction efforts. Reports have surfaced of armed HTS personnel forcibly evicting occupants amidst ownership disputes, signaling significant issues within the governing framework. These actions further diminish confidence in the stability necessary for commercial endeavors, as evidenced by an Arab banker’s troubling encounters with HTS operatives in Damascus.
Though rebuilding prospects exist, there remains a pervasive lack of interest from potential investors dictating the pace of recovery. Observers draw parallels to Lebanon, where individuals self-fund their infrastructure needs amidst persistent security concerns. The likelihood of significant projects emerging in Syria remains bleak, with many preferring to rely on personal resources for basic construction and essential services.
Syria faces significant reconstruction challenges following the extensive devastation of cities like Jobar during its civil war. The current leadership is under pressure to stabilize governance and attract international aid, while layers of structural and economic issues hinder progress. Many citizens desire a return to their homes, yet the legal complexities of property ownership and the influence of armed groups complicate this aspiration. Without substantial foreign investment and political stability, the road to recovery appears daunting.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
