Turkey and Qatar are sending two power generating ships to Syria to address severe electricity shortages after U.S. sanctions were eased. The ships will produce 800 megawatts of electricity, aiding a struggling infrastructure devastated by over a decade of civil war. Syrian authorities are seeking ways to transport this electricity while the international community contemplates the implications of the current political transition.
On Tuesday, Syria’s electricity director announced that two power generating ships from Turkey and Qatar would be dispatched to enhance electricity supply in the country. This decision follows the recent easing of U.S. sanctions after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Khaled Abu Dayy, head of Syria’s national electricity company, stated that the ships would provide 800 megawatts of electricity, amounting to half the current production. Efforts are underway to establish power lines for electricity transport from the ships’ docking site, the location of which has not been disclosed.
Turkey and Qatar, both previously supportive of the Syrian opposition, have resumed diplomatic relations with Syria following Assad’s departure. Turkey has retained its connection with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebel group, giving it insight into the political dynamics in Damascus. In late December, a Turkish energy ministry delegation visited Syria. Amidst the upheaval, Turkey is hosting around three million refugees from Syria, many of whom are hopeful about returning following Assad’s regime change.
However, the transitional government in Damascus has encountered challenges in getting sanctions lifted, as Western nations remain cautious. They seek assurance regarding the new authorities’ governance before facilitating the lifting of restrictions. Nonetheless, the United States has signaled a willingness to permit fuel and electricity donations to Syria for a period of six months, reflecting a gradual shift in policy. The civil war that has gripped Syria for over a decade has resulted in significant infrastructural devastation, with energy sector losses estimated at $100 billion.
Syria has suffered extensively from over 13 years of civil conflict, leading to a catastrophic collapse of its infrastructure, including crucial power stations and energy pipelines. The result has been pervasive electricity shortages, often extending beyond 20 hours per day. The international community, particularly countries previously aligned with the anti-Assad movement, such as Turkey and Qatar, have begun to engage diplomatically with the new authority in Damascus. The easing of sanctions by the United States marks a potential turning point in international relations concerning aid and recovery efforts in Syria. This backdrop is essential to understanding why Turkey and Qatar are taking steps to provide electrical capacity through power ships.
The dispatch of power ships from Turkey and Qatar signals a collaborative effort to address the crippling electricity shortages in Syria following a decade of civil war. This initiative, supported by a recent easing of U.S. sanctions, represents a significant step towards restoring basic services with hopes of facilitating the return of displaced Syrians. As international stakeholders navigate the complexities of the new Syrian governance, the provision of aid and infrastructure support remains critical in rebuilding the war-torn nation.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
