Qatar has announced plans to provide natural gas to Syria via Jordan, aimed at improving the nation’s electricity supply amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities. The initiative, approved by unnamed U.S. officials, is perceived to highlight Qatar’s ambitions for increased energy transit to Europe through a revitalized Syrian regime. Challenges persist due to existing U.S. sanctions and Syria’s infrastructural limitations.
Twelve years ago, pivotal events commenced in the Middle East, chiefly triggered by a Qatari gas pipeline slated for transit through Syria to Europe. This conflict has seen the emergence of numerous extremist factions and significant political upheaval, leading to both the decline and resurgence of the Assad regime. Recently, Qatar announced plans to supply natural gas to Syria via Jordan, allegedly to enhance the nation’s limited electricity resources.
This agreement represents Qatar’s substantial support for Syria’s newly installed administration following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, a regime that Qatar actively opposed. Unnamed U.S. officials noted that the gas deal had tacit approval from the Trump administration; however, the specifics of this endorsement remain unclear, particularly considering Trump’s focus on promoting American LNG exports to Europe.
An agreement was finalized between Qatar’s development fund and Jordan’s energy ministry to supply Syria with natural gas, intended to address the country’s electricity deficiencies without direct mention of its current governance or U.S. involvement. Jordan’s energy minister confirmed that the initiative is entirely funded by the Qatari fund, consisting of gas supplied via the Arab Gas Pipeline from Aqaba, Jordan, into Syria.
This initiative is not merely founded on altruistic concerns for Syrian welfare but represents Qatar’s ambition to re-establish gas pipeline routes to Europe through Syria’s government. Qatar aims to utilize its significant North Field gas reserves, the largest globally, to appeal to European markets, indicating a strategic revival of its prior goals.
The gas will initially enhance the output of southern Syria’s Deir Ali power plant by 400 megawatts, with increasing capacities foreseen over time. Despite the potential benefits, the U.S. remains cautious while supporting a cooperative approach between Syrian Kurdish factions and Damascus. Current power conditions in Syria are dire, with state electricity supply available only a few hours daily due to infrastructural damage and previous sanctions.
Historically, Syria relied heavily on Iranian oil for power generation, but this supply diminished after the coup that saw pro-Iran leadership ousted. The interim Syrian government aims to expedite power resumption through Jordan’s electricity and additional floating power solutions. Reports indicate that Jordan has received U.S. approval for a temporary supply of electricity, but ongoing issues related to Syria’s infrastructure readiness threaten smooth implementation.
As discussions continue on the Qatari gas plan, Western diplomats emphasize that regional support from Gulf Arab nations aims to substantiate political backing with actionable assistance to the new Syrian leadership. However, actual support has been hindered by U.S. sanctions; Qatar remains cautious regarding financial transactions that may violate these sanctions, particularly concerning recruitment costs in the public sector.
In conclusion, Qatar’s initiative to supply natural gas to Syria through Jordan reflects broader geopolitical shifts and ambitions in the Middle East. This arrangement may provide initial electricity relief to Syria but is underpinned by longstanding strategic motives related to energy transit to Europe. The complexities surrounding U.S. sanctions and Syria’s infrastructure readiness indicate the multifaceted nature of this development, suggesting that while support exists, significant challenges must be addressed for long-term success.
Original Source: oilprice.com
