Syria faces considerable challenges in post-conflict recovery, particularly in Jobar, where the destruction during the civil war is profound. Reconstruction is hindered by shortages of funds, skilled labor, and energy resources. Property disputes further complicate efforts, as the new leadership strives to stabilize the nation amid ongoing sanctions and skepticism from potential investors. The necessity for substantial international cooperation and funding remains critical for meaningful recovery.
Following the fall of his regime, Syrian dictator Bashar Al Assad and his wife, Asma, undertook tours of former rebel territories recently overtaken by government forces. A notable visit occurred in 2018 to Jobar, a town adjacent to Damascus that suffered immense destruction during the civil war. This area endured a four-year siege, with extensive artillery and air bombardments leaving nearly every building in ruin. After Jobar’s capitulation, regime officials commissioned art students to create sculptures in a rebel tunnel to venerate the soldiers responsible for the town’s destruction and to project an image of recovery from devastation.
The extent of devastation in Jobar underscores the challenge of rebuilding Syria, which encompasses not just physical reconstruction, but also necessitates widespread international cooperation on financial investments. The region is governed by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) who lacks significant funding, as Syria faces raw material and energy shortages. Compounding these issues is a volatile exchange rate and limited liquidity in the Syrian pound, severely impacting business activities. Furthermore, a mass exodus of skilled professionals has exacerbated the challenge while the education system and public services lie in disrepair.
A UN report indicates that one-third of Syrian homes were either destroyed or damaged during the war. Under the Assad regime, real estate was marked by arbitrary rule, complicating property issues in obliterated communities. In Jobar, former residents known as Al Jawabras return to witness the ruins. Many properties are still clearly registered, contrasting the rest of the capital, where claims over ownership are muddled amidst the rubble of the war.
Haitham Al Bakhit, a former worker during the siege, recounted how he transitioned from washing corpses in a hospital to an abandoned synagogue after it was damaged. The stark contrast between exhibited sculptures in the Jobar tunnel, celebrating soldiers with images of feeding children or carrying balloons versus the regime’s repression reflects the underlying reality. New leadership under Ahmad Al Shara has pledged to stabilize and unify the nation, although HTS faces external sanctions and challenges in proving legitimacy to donor nations.
Despite easing of sanctions related to the former regime, substantial aid remains limited, as the reconstitution of essential services is massively underfunded. Observations indicate dim prospects for recovery; local entrepreneurs show hesitation to invest given the prevailing governance and security risks. With the country in dire need of revitalization, the reforms promised by Al Shara have yet to materialize into actionable plans that inspire confidence among investors.
An alarming concern arises for residents as HTS personnel reportedly engage in property disputes, sometimes resorting to eviction without transparent legal recourse. Stability in Damascus appears uncertain, with some property transactions requiring the oversight of HTS members. Essential rebuilding measures fall into stagnation amid pervasive mistrust and socio-political complexity, given infrastructural constraints and entrenched corruption in government bodies. This context fosters a landscape where individuals are compelled to self-reliantly provide essential services for themselves, stalling large-scale reconstruction efforts.
In summary, the devastating aftermath of the Syrian civil war presents immense challenges to reconstruction efforts in areas like Jobar. The lack of funding, skilled labor, and effective governance hampers progress, while continued instability and property disputes further complicate recovery. As the new leadership under Ahmad Al Shara attempts to establish legitimacy, significant hurdles remain before Syria can embark on the path to recovery and comprehensive rebuilding.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
