Rebuilding Syria: Opportunities and Challenges of Postwar Reconstruction

As Syria emerges from over a decade of devastating conflict, the path toward reconstruction remains fraught. While the jubilation of Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow is still tangible, the hard realities of the road ahead are now in sharp focus. The country’s ongoing humanitarian and displacement crisis continues, with large segments of the population remaining abroad or subsisting in internal displacement camps and the communities from which they fled still devastated with few if any services.

What is the current state of the Syrian economy? Has the new Syrian government articulated a vision for the country’s economic future that will help inform and shape reconstruction efforts? How quickly will the recent U.S. and European Union actions to lift sanctions have decisive impact to encourage foreign investment? Are Syria’s financial system and security forces ready for the challenges of a bold reconstruction effort? What are the prerequisites needed for successful and sustained national rehabilitation and reconstruction? What is the role of Syria’s neighbors, especially Turkey and the Gulf states, as well as Europe, in postconflict reconstruction? And how will the dynamic between reconstruction efforts and foreign investment unfold? What planning role should United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme, and other international organizations play in any comprehensive reconstruction effort?  

The views represented herein are the author's or speaker's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AGSI, its staff, or its board of directors.