Rebuilding Syria: The Challenges of Jobar and National Recovery

The article discusses the devastation in Jobar and the ongoing reconstruction challenges in Syria under new leadership. It highlights issues like property ownership disputes, the lack of skilled labor, and the impact of corruption on recovery efforts. Despite some international interest, significant obstacles remain before successful rebuilding can begin.

Before descending into civil war, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad conducted ceremonial visits to areas reclaimed from rebels, notably Jobar in 2018. Jobar suffered severe destruction due to a four-year siege, leaving it barely recognizable. Following its surrender, the regime created art in the ruins to celebrate the very forces that destroyed the town. Local survivor, Haitham Al Bakhit, remarked, “Assad not only erased Jobar, he celebrated it.” The damage in Jobar reflects the broader reconstruction challenges across Syria, hampered by funding shortages and international consensus on aid.

Syria’s governance has faltered, evidenced by a lack of skilled workers who have fled, and corruption that has crippled public services and education. The UN reports that one-third of housing in the country is damaged or destroyed. Decades of dictatorial rule exacerbated property disputes and complicated reconstruction efforts, especially with many areas damaged beyond recognition. Al Bakheet returned to find Jobar largely abandoned, reminiscing about his past work in a hospital now destroyed.

As recovery efforts in Jobar continue, the regime’s attempts to sell property are complicated by unclear ownership and the influence of new financial backers. Wealthy individuals from outside, including HTS affiliates, are eyeing investments. Al Bakheet’s aim to reclaim his homeland reveals the ongoing struggle against profiteering, which threatens the local community’s future. Illegal construction has also added layers of complexity to the real estate market, deterring investments and instilling fear of expropriation.

Reports of HTS forcibly evicting residents to settle property disputes indicate a troubling trajectory as the power dynamics shift. Business operations are hampered by a parallel control system that works independently of the government. The complexity and delay in establishing reliable state institutions impede progress toward normalcy. Despite large-scale need, international interest remains low, as security issues and the legacy of corruption deter investment.

The path to reconstruction remains fraught with obstacles, as local and international actors grapple with issues of governance and viability. Many view the reconstruction of Syria as a daunting task comparable to the situations in Lebanon, where private, self-sufficient solutions have become the norm. Without substantial and systematic changes in governance, large-scale rehabilitation looks far from imminent.

Jobar’s devastation illustrates Syria’s broader reconstruction challenges, underscored by economic hardship and the need for governance reform. Despite lingering issues from the Assad regime, including property disputes and corruption, local hope persists for recovery under new leadership. The situation demands substantial international aid and investment to rebuild essential services, although skepticism remains regarding the local governance and security environment needed to attract such investment.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com