Syrians Are Ready to Rebuild Their Country, But They Need Solidarity

Solidarity from the international community is crucial for Syria to recover from its prolonged crisis and regain stability.

The civil war in Syria, which began in 2011, has left the nation devastated on multiple fronts: socially, economically, and physically. Entire cities lie in ruins, millions of citizens have been displaced internally and externally, and the once-thriving economy is a shadow of its former self. Amid the despair, however, many Syrians are expressing a deep-seated desire to rebuild their country. This determination, however, cannot succeed in isolation. Solidarity from the international community is crucial for Syria to recover from its prolonged crisis and regain stability.

This article explores the challenges Syrians face in rebuilding their country, the resilience and resourcefulness they have demonstrated, and the kind of support needed from the global community to help them realize their vision of a restored Syria.

The Legacy of the Civil War

The Syrian Civil War erupted in 2011 during the Arab Spring, when protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime were met with violent repression. Over the years, the conflict morphed into a multi-faceted war involving domestic factions, regional powers, and international stakeholders.

Humanitarian Crisis: The war has resulted in over 500,000 deaths, displaced more than 13 million people, and created one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. According to the United Nations, over 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, with food insecurity and lack of access to basic services being rampant.

Infrastructure Devastation: Entire cities, such as Aleppo, Homs, and Raqqa, have been reduced to rubble. Schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure have been obliterated, leaving the population to fend for itself amidst crumbling systems. The reconstruction cost is estimated to be over $250 billion—a staggering amount for a nation whose economy has been decimated.

Social Fragmentation: The war has deeply divided Syrian society along sectarian, ethnic, and political lines. Rebuilding the social fabric is as critical as physical reconstruction, requiring reconciliation efforts to mend broken communities.

Syrians’ Resilience Amid Despair

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Syrians have shown remarkable resilience. From grassroots initiatives to rebuild local communities to efforts by exiled professionals, there is a strong desire to take the lead in the country’s reconstruction.

Grassroots Rebuilding Efforts: In war-torn neighborhoods, residents have come together to clear rubble, rebuild homes, and establish makeshift schools and clinics. Local communities have pooled resources to revive agriculture, restore water supplies, and create micro-businesses. These efforts demonstrate that Syrians are not waiting passively for external aid; they are taking proactive steps to restore a semblance of normalcy.

The Role of the Syrian Diaspora: The Syrian diaspora, consisting of millions of refugees and exiles, has played a critical role in supporting reconstruction efforts. Many have sent remittances to families back home, funded community projects, and advocated for international assistance. Syrian doctors, engineers, and educators living abroad have expressed a desire to return and contribute to rebuilding the nation once conditions allow.

Youth-Led Initiatives: Young Syrians, despite growing up amid conflict, are at the forefront of rebuilding efforts. Organizations run by youth have focused on vocational training, education, and cultural preservation to lay the groundwork for a more stable future.

Challenges to Rebuilding Syria

While Syrians are eager to rebuild, numerous obstacles stand in their way.

Political Instability: The Assad regime remains in power, but its legitimacy is questioned by large segments of the population and the international community. Ongoing political tensions make it difficult to attract foreign investment and coordinate reconstruction efforts effectively.

Sanctions and Economic Isolation: Western sanctions targeting the Assad regime have also crippled Syria’s economy, restricting access to essential goods and financial resources. While intended to pressure the government, these measures have disproportionately affected ordinary citizens, complicating efforts to rebuild.

Lack of Security: Although active fighting has subsided in many areas, the absence of comprehensive peace agreements means that sporadic violence and insecurity persist. This deters displaced Syrians from returning and prevents large-scale reconstruction projects from taking off.

Human Capital Drain: The war has led to a significant brain drain, with thousands of skilled professionals fleeing the country. The loss of engineers, doctors, and educators has left critical gaps in the workforce, hindering recovery efforts.

The Role of International Solidarity: For Syrians to successfully rebuild their country, they need robust international solidarity. While local efforts are commendable, the scale of devastation requires support from governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Humanitarian Aid: The immediate priority is addressing the humanitarian crisis. International organizations must scale up efforts to provide food, medical care, and shelter to millions of Syrians still living in dire conditions.

Lifting or Adjusting Sanctions: The international community should consider revising sanctions to allow for humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials to reach ordinary citizens. Targeted sanctions that focus on key regime figures, rather than blanket measures, could mitigate the economic impact on civilians.

Investment in Reconstruction: Rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure requires significant financial resources. Multilateral institutions like the United Nations and World Bank should lead efforts to secure funding for projects focused on housing, healthcare, education, and utilities. Public-private partnerships could also be explored to involve global businesses in reconstruction efforts.

Facilitating Repatriation: The safe and voluntary return of refugees is crucial for rebuilding Syria. International efforts should focus on creating secure conditions in Syria and providing resources for reintegration. Host countries must also ensure that returning refugees have access to their property and basic rights.

Support for Civil Society: Strengthening civil society organizations in Syria is essential for promoting reconciliation, accountability, and participatory governance. International NGOs and governments can provide technical and financial support to grassroots initiatives that aim to rebuild communities and foster social cohesion.

Mediating Political Solutions: The international community must redouble efforts to mediate a political resolution to Syria’s conflict. A sustainable peace agreement that includes all stakeholders is necessary to create the stability required for long-term reconstruction.

Lessons from Other Post-Conflict States

Syria’s path to recovery could draw lessons from other post-conflict states, such as Rwanda and Bosnia, where international solidarity played a key role in rebuilding efforts.

Rwanda: Grassroots Reconciliation

After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda prioritized grassroots reconciliation efforts, empowering communities to resolve disputes and rebuild trust. Syria could adopt similar approaches to address sectarian divides and promote social cohesion.

Bosnia: International Involvement

In Bosnia, international organizations led post-war reconstruction, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and fostering democratic institutions. A similar model could help Syria rebuild while ensuring accountability and inclusivity.

The Moral Imperative of Solidarity

The world has a moral obligation to stand with Syrians in their time of need. The failure to act decisively not only prolongs human suffering but also risks destabilizing the region further. Rebuilding Syria is not just about restoring physical infrastructure; it is about giving its people hope and dignity.

Conclusion

Fourteen years of war have devastated Syria, but its people remain resilient and determined to rebuild their country. Their efforts, however, need to be supported by genuine international solidarity. By providing humanitarian aid, facilitating reconstruction, and promoting peace, the global community can help Syrians turn the page on a dark chapter in their history.

Rebuilding Syria is a monumental task, but it is not an impossible one. With the right combination of local initiative and international support, Syria can rise from the ashes of war, offering hope to its people and setting an example for the world of resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Dr. Nosherwan Adil
Dr. Nosherwan Adil
Research Scholar and Academic; Ph.D. in International Relations at the International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan.