Photo: Office of the Syrian President
The visit of Syria’s President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, to the White House on November 10 marks, according to senior officials in Washington, a “new era” for Syria — an opportunity for peace and national reconstruction. In preparation for the visit, al-Sharaa and Sriya’s interior minister, Anas Khattab, were removed from the terrorism lists of the UN Security Council, the United States, and Britian. Following the visit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would suspend sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for 180 days, in order to enable “prosperity and peace” for the Syrian people.
Lifting the sanctions will allow economic aid and encourage investment which is essential for Syria’s reconstruction — a project estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. and other Western nations hope that money will buy stability: if Syria receives sufficient assistance, it will rebuild itself into a stable, moderate, and perhaps even democratic state. The problem is that money alone cannot guarantee Syria’s future political character.
To truly ensure a new era in Syria, the international community must take part in rebuilding the country through a framework of “constructive intervention.” This includes helping to establish political institutions, carrying out economic reforms (after years of corruption under the Assad regime), building a system of justice, law, and order, creating organizations that represent and protect minorities, and promoting education for democracy.
A clear example of the need for guidance in building political institutions can be seen in last October’s elections, which were little more than a symbolic exercise — elections without full public participation or adequate representation for minorities. The involvement of international organizations could ensure the internalization of genuine political processes, rather than superficial actions meant merely for show.
International intervention must be undertaken with the consent of the regime, not through an attempt to impose change from the outside. However, if the new regime truly stands behind its promises to build a democratic and representative political system in Syria, such assistance should be welcomed, serving as proof of its genuine commitment to reform and not merely the exploitation of Western platforms to reconstruct and consolidate power in the short and medium term without guarantees for the future.
The challenge of reconstruction facing the new regime is not only economic but also security-related, institutional, political, and social. Syria lies at the heart of a struggle among various external powers, all seeking to shape its future in their own image. If Western countries wish to promote stability, equality, and democracy in Syria, lifting sanctions and providing economic aid will not be enough. They must take part in Syria’s state-building process and set clear standards and conditions for receiving aid — rather than handing over a “blank check,” as appears to be the case today.
3 Responses
Dear Dr Zoe,
The caption under your article photo is telling: Office of the Syrian president?
Let us remember that he is a self appointed radical muslim brotherhood islamonazi in a suit, catapulted to power by the muslim brotherhood caliphate leader of Turkey Erdogan (errored again). The sunni-shia seesaw of terror can only produce more terror. I do not approve of Israel climbing on board on either end. No possible short term gains justify any alliance with terrorists breathing threats of conquest – period. A prerequisite to any negotiations must be preceeded with the recognition of Israel as the legitimate sovereign state of all the territory promised by Almighty God. Otherwise the total destruction of the enemies if Israel, who are now obstructing Justice, will be executed.
Just as Moses declared judgement against those who organized the golden calf rebellion in that day, the enemies of Justice both within and without Israel will now face the wrath of God and be destroyed in this generation.
Dear Dr Zoe,
There is no equality between terrorist destabilizing forces of oppression such as hezbollah, hamas, houthis and the PA (Pernicious Atrocity which is deceitfully called the palestinian authority – a double lie to promote a non-existing state which also has no authority) and legitimate national governments. Do not apply equal opportunity to evil, destabilizing, lying terrorists. Prosecute them. Enforce Justice.