Challenges of Recovery in Syria: The Case of Jobar and Beyond

The prolonged conflict in Syria has left Jobar, a suburb of Damascus, in ruins, showcasing the immense challenges of recovery. The Assad regime’s past actions and ongoing economic difficulties, compounded by a lack of international investment and local concerns over property ownership, create significant barriers to reconstruction. Ahmad Al Shara’s leadership under Hayat Tahrir Al Sham presents a tentative hope, but comprehensive rebuilding remains uncertain amid complex political and economic realities.

In the shadow of Syria’s civil war, the aftermath in Jobar, a suburb of Damascus, exemplifies the immense challenges of recovery. Following the regime’s capture of the area, President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma conducted a controversial visit in 2018, showcasing artwork created in tunnels used by rebels, symbolizing the Assad regime’s narrative of victory. However, the reality is starkly different, as Jobar lay in ruins after sustained bombardment, having once housed 300,000 residents.

The reconstruction of Jobar encapsulates Syria’s broader struggles, where the need for significant international investment clashes with a grim economic landscape characterized by shortages of resources, skilled labor, and liquidity. Approximately one-third of all homes were damaged or destroyed during the war, exacerbating an already frail infrastructure. With the Assad regime’s patterns of corruption and property disputes compounding these issues, recovery seems increasingly elusive.

Returning residents like Haitham Al Bakhit, a former undertaker in Jobar, visit the ruins but face an uncertain future regarding property ownership and community rebuilding. Recent interactions with potential investors reveal a concerning trend of opportunistic profiteering, raising fears among locals about their ability to reclaim their homes. With widespread devastation and unclear ownership rights, there are significant barriers to restoring the area.

Despite some political shifts with the emergence of Ahmad Al Shara leading Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, the promise of reconstruction remains largely unfulfilled. Although minor sanctions have been lifted and new aid has been pledged, substantial financial resources are required for rebuilding healthcare, infrastructure, and energy systems. New governance under Al Shara struggles against entrenched economic issues, resulting in stagnation and public discontent.

The ongoing presence of HTS in governance complicates prospects for recovery, as business activity faces interference from a parallel control system. As restoration initiatives are slowed by security concerns and a lack of investment, many Syrians fear that only small-scale private rebuilding will occur. The vision of a comprehensive reconstruction remains overshadowed by the complexities of the political and economic landscape, leading to pessimism about long-term development in Syria.

In summary, Syria’s journey towards recovery is marked by severe challenges, particularly in Jobar, where devastation from the civil war poses significant barriers to reconstruction. The Assad regime’s previous tactics of suppression and corruption continue to hinder recovery efforts. New leadership under Ahmad Al Shara faces daunting economic difficulties and the need for international cooperation, while local fears of exploitation inhibit progress. Without substantial, collaborative efforts, the prospects for rebuilding remain bleak.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com