The Weiser Diplomacy Center hosted a talk on post-civil war Syria featuring Qutaiba Idlbi and Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji. They discussed the impact of the domestic civil war, the current state under Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the challenges of Syria’s reconstruction. They emphasized the need for supportive international roles while underscoring civic engagement and local governance in rebuilding efforts.
On Thursday afternoon, the Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan hosted a discussion featuring Qutaiba Idlbi, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs, alongside Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji, an adjunct faculty member at Michigan State University. Their dialogue concentrated on the reconstruction of Syria in the wake of a 14-year civil war, addressing the ongoing state-building strategies of the nascent Syrian government and the multifaceted challenges it encounters.
The regime of Bashar al-Assad collapsed on December 8, 2024, after enduring years of impasse in the Syrian civil war. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani and leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, succeeded him as Syria’s leader. Idlbi highlighted the severe impact of the civil war, notably the significant brain drain resulting from the exodus of educated professionals, stating, “There’s a lot for Syrians to rebuild; half of Syria has left the country. This is one of the biggest brain drains we’ve seen since World War II.”
Despite the considerable destruction wrought by the civil war, Idlbi noted the sense of liberation among Syrians from decades of authoritarian rule and human rights abuses under Assad. He remarked, “They are still high on joy and happiness that they finally got their country back. You can feel the hunger on people’s faces, but you can also see the smiles and the joy on their faces that they are finally free.”
Idlbi and Katranji refuted criticisms alleging Sharaa’s affiliations with Al-Qaeda, asserting that he severed ties and has actively resisted both Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Katranji shared his experiences providing humanitarian assistance in Idlib after an earthquake, pointing out the establishment of civic organizations like the White Helmets that support reconstruction efforts. He stated, “There was structure, there were institutions… There was actually civic engagement, civic authority, independent of the ruling council.”
In stark contrast, Katranji described the disorder he observed while delivering aid in areas controlled by Assad. He explained that rescuers were hampered by bureaucratic challenges, stating, “There was no structure, and we were still rescuing people… People had to bribe several authorities… to use the very bulldozers…” He emphasized that this governance dysfunction would not endure.
Idlbi conveyed optimism regarding Syria’s potential for self-governance, arguing that the civil war inadvertently provided a window for Syrians to create the governing structures denied to them during Assad’s rule. He remarked, “Syrians already know what they want to build.” He emphasized that the U.S. could play a constructive role in Syria’s reconstruction, asserting, “We can’t really escape who we are: We’re the empire of this era… They have built the Syrian Dream, which I believe is very similar to the American Dream.”
Dr. Katranji highlighted the repercussions of U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria after the outbreak of the civil war. He argued that the sanctions, intended to pressure the Assad regime, continue to impact Syria negatively post-regime change. He cautioned, “If you wait too long, then another vacuum will be created, somebody else will step in.”
Katranji also called for the swift lifting of these sanctions and urged unity in global opinion regarding this action. He stated, “The next three months are absolutely critical in which we can engage our civic leadership here in the United States. Globally, the European Union has already relaxed sanctions… even Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who rarely agree with each other.”
In an interview following the event, Art & Design senior Razaan Killawi, co-president of Students Organize for Syria, expressed appreciation for the discussion and encouraged greater student involvement in similar events. She stressed the importance of accurate, on-the-ground information about Syria, stating, “I think it’s really meaningful when (students) can come to events led by Syrians… to learn from them and see what is actually happening.”
The event at the Weiser Diplomacy Center illuminated the complex landscape of post-civil war Syria, underscoring the challenges and opportunities inherent in the country’s reconstruction process. Key speakers emphasized the need for international support, while also advocating for the local agency and self-governance of the Syrian people. The discussions highlighted the importance of accurate information regarding Syria’s situation and the significance of humanitarian efforts in fostering hope and resilience within the conflict-ridden nation.
Original Source: www.michigandaily.com
