Syria’s Long Road to Recovery: Lessons from a Ravaged Jobar Suburb
The article discusses Syria’s significant reconstruction challenges following years of devastating civil war, particularly in Jobar, a suburb of Damascus. The Assad regime’s legacy complicates recovery efforts due to property rights issues, resource shortages, and a struggling economy. New leadership under Ahmad Al Shara faces pressure to stabilize the country and attract international aid, yet skepticism remains high about the ability to rebuild effectively and inclusively.
In December, prior to the collapse of his regime, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma conducted controversial tours of formerly rebel-controlled territories. One prominent visit occurred in 2018 at Jobar, a stricken suburb of Damascus, heavily ravaged during a prolonged siege by regime forces. Artillery, airstrikes, and barrel bombs devastated the area, previously home to around 300,000 inhabitants. Following Jobar’s capture, the regime commissioned art students to create sculptures celebrating military victory in the very ruins where their families had suffered. Former resident Haitham Al Bakhit reflects on this irony, stating, “Assad not only erased Jobar, he celebrated it.”
The plight of Jobar exemplifies the vast challenges of Syria’s reconstruction, which demands international consensus and substantial investment amid severe shortages of funds, materials, and skilled labor. The educational framework crumbled, marked by corruption, and public services have deteriorated. Reports indicate one-third of dwellings were either damaged or destroyed throughout the nation, highlighting the extensive rebuilding required. The Assad regime’s long-term mismanagement resulted in opaque property rights, complicating ownership determinations in heavily destroyed areas.
During a recent visit to Jobar, Al Bakhit witnessed the desolation and reflected on his experiences. He now resides near Damascus, likening his regular visits to the ruins of Jobar as a search for belonging. Prior locales of community, including hospitals, have vanished, with the remnants of a synagogue becoming a makeshift place for body washing during the war.
Art pieces created within Jobar’s tunnel echo a convoluted narrative; sculptures portray soldiers in nurturing roles juxtaposed against the oppressive regime’s history. While acclaimed as symbols of peace, these representations obscure the truth about the systemic repression exercised by the Assad regime across decades.
With the overthrow of the Assad regime, the newly established leadership under Ahmad Al Shara seeks a path to recovery. However, despite pledges for aid, international financial support remains insufficient compared to the immense reconstruction needs in critical sectors like health and education. Shara must navigate complex political landscapes, including ongoing sanctions and pressures from international stakeholders.
While Western nations appear more open to aid, much hinges on Shara’s ability to maintain stability while distancing from confrontational elements. Syriers express hope for change, urging a government that embraces qualified technical experts to foster investor confidence. Without swift action, fears of civil unrest loom, as economic stagnation continues in post-war Syria.
In summary, Jobar’s devastation epitomizes the extensive challenges Syria faces in its recovery post-war. The complex web of property rights, weak infrastructure, and political instability creates barriers to reconstruction. Significant international cooperation and investment are critical, yet the new leadership must demonstrate viable governance free from extremist affiliations to gain trust and support. The need for a strategic approach in addressing existing grievances remains urgent as the country seeks a renewed foundation for recovery.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
