Rebuilding Syria after more than a decade of devastating conflict is no easy task. The country’s destruction extends to the physical infrastructure, governance systems and social fabric that once held its population together. While the dream of a prosperous, strong and united new Syria after the fall of the Assad regime is certainly achievable, certain conditions must be met before the country can rise from its ashes.
First, an interim government must be formed whose authority is accepted by all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to democracy. Any reconstruction attempt can only be successful if it is led by an inclusive and stable government that enjoys international recognition and the trust of the Syrian people. A new Syria cannot be built without a new social contract that promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Drafting this treaty requires the collective wisdom of Syria’s brightest minds and intellectual leaders, as well as the genuine support of the global community. Only a transition that is led by the Syrians themselves but fully supported by international institutions through the exchange of expertise and the provision of technical assistance can ensure a successful reconstruction.
This undertaking will be challenging and the path to its realization is likely to be fraught with obstacles as the current political landscape remains fragmented and there is no clear path to stable and fully representative government. Without this, however, reconstruction efforts risk becoming another tool for deepening divisions rather than healing them.
Secondly, the stability of the Syrian state and the security of its people must be guaranteed. A country under attack and in conflict cannot be effectively rebuilt. Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian territory and annexation of more land since the fall of the Assad regime have exacerbated instability. Such actions not only destroy infrastructure, but also demoralize communities and threaten hopes for rapid reconstruction and recovery.
As the global community keeps a close eye on Syria’s new leadership to ensure a smooth transition, it must also send a clear and forceful message to Israel. This message should strongly condemn Israel’s actions and call for their immediate cessation. The international community must make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Stability is not just about the absence of war; It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to rebuild their lives and invest in their future. The last thing Syrians need at this critical juncture is a new war front with all the uncertainties and instability that it will bring for the new interim government.
Thirdly, international sanctions must be lifted so that the country can get back on its feet. The Caesar LawIn particular, the agreement, which has crippled the Syrian economy and made attracting foreign investment almost impossible, must be repealed. These sanctions, which aimed to pressure the previous regime to implement human rights reforms and ease repression, also had a significant impact on the lives of everyday Syrians, increasing their suffering and despair.
Due to uncertainty over Syria’s new leadership, the global community may be reluctant to fully lift sanctions. Nevertheless, a more nuanced approach could be taken. Instead of blanket sanctions, a targeted strategy could be implemented to ease restrictions on Syria’s dynamic business community and private sector. This would contribute to Syria’s long-term stability and accelerate reconstruction. In the meantime, if necessary, targeted sanctions against specific government officials can be used as a tool to promote a positive transition. This approach balances the need for caution with the need for economic revitalization and reconstruction.
Fourth, civil society must be empowered to play an active role in the reconstruction process. Independent local organizations must be closely involved in all recovery efforts to ensure transparency and accountability. Under the rule of the al-Assad family, there was never an independent civil society in Syria. Years of ironclad control have derailed community-led initiatives and left a society ill-equipped for meaningful public participation. But in a time of transition and widespread reconstruction, grassroots organizations advocating for justice and ensuring aid reaches those in need have a critical role to play. Without it, there is a risk that the reconstruction process will be marred by corruption and cronyism. Syria’s new rulers must prioritize supporting and strengthening Syrian civil society to ensure a healthy and successful reconstruction.
Reconstructing Syria is not just a question of politics, but also a complex technical puzzle. The country urgently needs people with technical knowledge and experience who are able to draw up a long-term plan for reconstruction, budget effectively and overcome obstacles that will inevitably arise in various complex reconstruction projects. But here’s the tricky part: Should Syria’s new leaders draw on the expertise of officials from the old regime? These officials and officials have valuable insider knowledge, but their ties to a government accused of terrible acts could cause large swaths of the population to lose trust in the entire process. Finding the right balance is crucial. Reconstruction efforts must include all Syrians, especially those most affected by the war – women, children and minority groups. Not only would it be wrong to alienate a group by giving too much power to people with close ties to the old regime, but it would also be a surefire way to reignite tensions and sabotage any reconstruction efforts before they really begin.
Reconstructing Syria will also be expensive. Who is supposed to pay for all of this? Syria’s new leadership cannot do this alone and can only use what is left in the state’s coffers. A coalition of international donors, including UN organizations, would have to provide the country with extensive funding. But they only open their wallets when there is a government that people trust. Donors need to be assured that their money will not be wasted or stolen. It is also important to ensure that aid entering Syria is not dispersed or politically motivated. If donors tie their aid to their own political demands and priorities, it would only lead to wasted efforts, gaps in aid, and more distrust. What is needed is a unified approach that puts the real needs of the Syrian people first and does not allow aid efforts to be shaped by political games. Syria could benefit from hosting a comprehensive reconstruction conference that brings together international donors and the new Syrian government to align reconstruction priorities, ensure transparent cooperation, and begin rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and social fabric.
Last but not least, education will be crucial to rebuilding Syria into a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous country. A strong education system promotes a society that values human rights, civic engagement and fairness. Only by investing in education and community engagement can Syria heal its social fabric and foster a generation that prefers dialogue and cooperation to conflict.
The most important aspect of rebuilding Syria will be the reconstruction of Syrian society. Because behind all the technical stuff are real people – families who have lost loved ones to arbitrary detention, children who have had no education, entire communities suffering from trauma. Reconstruction is not just about repairing roads, houses, schools and hospitals; It’s about giving people back their dignity and hope. Syrians must feel that their suffering has not been in vain, that they have a say in the future of their country, and that the days ahead bring more than loss and conflict.
Reconstructing Syria will take time and require the commitment of everyone involved. It’s not just about construction – it’s about rebuilding trust, involving all stakeholders and ensuring people are held accountable. The road ahead is long, but with the right foundations, there is hope that Syria can become a prosperous, resilient country again. This is a challenge that matters to Syrians and to all of us.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Al Jazeera.
