Syria’s Long Road to Recovery: Challenges and Prospects for Reconstruction in Jobar

Syria’s reconstruction faces immense challenges, particularly in Jobar, a town severely damaged during the civil war. The regime under Bashar Al Assad has left a legacy of destruction and unresolved property rights complicating recovery. With new leadership under Ahmad Al Shara, there is cautious optimism for rebuilding but significant obstacles persist, including corruption and lack of international investments. The future of Syria’s recovery remains uncertain without immediate reform and international support.

Prior to the fall of his regime in December, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma conducted victory tours in areas formerly held by rebels. One notable visit in 2018 was to Jobar, a town near Damascus, which suffered extreme devastation during the civil war. Over four years, the town was heavily bombarded, with virtually every building damaged. Following Jobar’s surrender, regime allies beautified a rebel tunnel with sculptures celebrating the very forces that obliterated the city, presenting a stark juxtaposition of destruction and propaganda.

Haitham Al Bakhit, a survivor from Jobar, remarked on the irony of Assad glorifying the ruins, stating, “Assad not only erased Jobar, he celebrated it.” Jobar exemplifies the vast reconstruction challenges facing Syria, with a pressing need for international support and investment. Compounding difficulties include an absence of funds, shortages of resources, and a declining skilled workforce due to emigration. With an unstable currency and liquidity issues, the business landscape remains bleak, further hampered by a corrupt education and public service system.

Current statistics indicate that a third of all housing in Syria has been either destroyed or badly damaged, highlighting the magnitude of the reconstruction task. Historically, the Assad regime has contributed to issues in property ownership, complicating reconstruction efforts due to poorly defined property rights. Even as the country grieves the losses, residents like Al Bakhit find themselves returning to the ruins in Jobar, witnessing the decay that was once home to 300,000 individuals.

The town sits administratively apart from Damascus, yet it holds practical ties to the capital. Al Bakhit, who once worked in a hospital now reduced to rubble, has had to adapt to a new reality, conducting body washings in an ancient synagogue. Amidst the destruction, art has emerged in Jobar’s tunnels, painting an idealistic image of soldiers in nurturing and heroic poses, far removed from the oppressive nature of Assad’s regime.

With Ahmad Al Shara, a new political figure who previously associated with Al Qaeda, now in power, there is cautious optimism for reconstruction efforts. Fewer sanctions are being imposed compared to the Assad era, conditional upon Al Shara proving his leadership capabilities. Many Syrians hope for a broader coalition within his government, as qualified personnel will enhance accountability and transparency needed to attract donor interest.

However, recovery must overcome substantial bottlenecks. A senior financial technology executive cautioned that without immediate economic activity, disenchantment among the populace may grow. In Jobar and surrounding areas, the lack of visible progress is palpable. Notably, potential investors are wary, impacted by expropriations and unlawful evictions. Reports show HTS operatives took over properties arbitrarily, undermining legal recourse and fostering further distrust among residents.

In discussions with foreign bankers, concerns emerge regarding HTS’s pervasive influence in governance detracting from investor interest and economic recovery. Additionally, although potential exists for infrastructure development, the sentiment prevailing among investors is one of trepidation and skepticism regarding state institution building.

In light of these factors, reconstruction efforts in Syria are likely to mirror those in Lebanon, where local initiatives are preferred over larger scale international projects. Thus, individuals are left to construct self-sufficient homes with independent utilities, erasing hopes for comprehensive state-led rebuilding in the near future.

Overall, the future of Syria’s reconstruction remains uncertain, heavily reliant on achieving political stability and securing international financial commitments. The enduring scars of war and devastation necessitate a collective approach to rebuilding devastated communities like Jobar, ensuring that both the physical environment and societal trust can be restored.

The road to recovery in Syria is fraught with challenges, as seen in Jobar’s ruins where the repercussions of war are vividly etched. With a new political landscape under Ahmad Al Shara and necessary shifts in governance, hope for reconstruction persists amidst uncertainty. Key obstacles include poor infrastructure, a volatile economy, and entrenched corruption, all of which complicate the prospect for a sustainable rebuilding process. Without immediate and cohesive efforts to address these issues, the restoration of Syria remains a distant dream.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com