Analyzing Sources for Future Reconstruction in War-Torn Syria

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the international sources available for the reconstruction of Syria following its devastating civil war. It examines the roles of key players such as the European Union, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Russia, detailing their initiatives, plans, and potential contributions to the rebuilding process. The report explores the political and economic factors influencing these countries' involvement, including their strategic interests and conditions for aid. It further highlights the challenges that may impede reconstruction efforts, such as political instability, lack of resources, and competing interests among international actors. The report also discusses the impact of foreign aid on the Syrian people and local areas, emphasizing the need for political compromise, financial resources, and international cooperation to ensure a stable and sustainable future for Syria. Finally, the report concludes with a summary of the key findings, emphasizing the complexities of the reconstruction process and the need for a coordinated international approach to address the multifaceted challenges.

Running head: SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Sources for Future Reconstruction in Syria
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Sources of Reconstruction: Countries as sources of reconstruction in Syria..................................2
Role of the European Union........................................................................................................3
Role of Saudi Arabia...................................................................................................................4
Role of India................................................................................................................................6
Role of China...............................................................................................................................7
Role of Iran..................................................................................................................................9
Role of Russia............................................................................................................................10
Other sources of reconstruction.....................................................................................................11
Role of Banks as sources of Syrian reconstruction...................................................................11
Role of agencies as sources of Syrian reconstruction................................................................13
Impact of foreign aid on people and local areas............................................................................15
Coalition of interests of different countries and institutes.............................................................17
Challenges and Possibilities in Reconstruction of Syria...............................................................19
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................20
References......................................................................................................................................22

2SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA

3SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Introduction
The continuous period of merciless civil war has left the country in ruins with its adverse
and gruesome outcome. The schools, medical and other infrastructures are the most targeted in
bombing campaigns, thus, causing a decline in economic output by 60 percent as compared to
2010. The physical destruction of the country has a social impact as migration and displacement
of millions of people have drastically devastated the social fabric of the country, giving rise to
religious and ethnic intolerance and violence in the country. Such devastating conditions makes
reconstruction phase of the country more challenging and intricate in future post-war efforts
(Devarajan and Mottaghi 2016). Under such circumstances, it becomes important to recognize
allies that are not only politically willing but also are also practically capable of aiding the
country with substantial financial resources.
However, besides aiding the country with financial resources, it is equally important to
reach political compromise to end the conflict in a manner that guarantees a satisfactory political
stability in the end as stability is the pre-requisite to devise any re-construction plan (Harrowell
2016). This paper analyzes the international frameworks that act as sources for reconstructing the
nation and its impact of such international assistance on the nationals of the country. It further
highlights the challenges that may impede the reconstruction of Syria post-war and the
possibilities to overcome certain challenges.
Sources of Reconstruction: Countries as sources of reconstruction in Syria
The seven-year conflict in Syria remains to be unresolved resulting in displacement of
millions of Syrians outside the border of the nation, often in refugee camps while war is
continued all over the country. There are 6.5 million people who have been presently displaced

4SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
within the country and more than 5 million have fled to seek refuge in other countries. The
infrastructure of the country has been destroyed with an approximate cost to Syria of $226bn.
However, there is an international belief that President Bashar al-Assad and its allies shall
achieve victory over the conflict and initiate rebuilding of the nation. Russia, Turkey, US, Iran,
EU and China has played significant part in the Syrian conflict (Estrada, Khan and Park 2017).
The following list provides information concerning the countries planning to aid Syria in its
reconstruction process and gives details about their initiatives and plans for future of Syria.
Role of the European Union
In a conference held in Brussels, European Union Foreign affairs head Federica
Mogherini announced the proposals relating to Syria reconstruction plan that includes planning
ranging from organizing elections to demining. The EU head announced that the EU should
attempt to encourage parties in Syria to undergo necessary compromises (Howorth 2014).
. The foreign policy of EU has obligated the nation to play a significant role in the post-
war phase of the country to avert the errors committed during reconstruction if Iraq and Libya
when the nations were left to act as per their own planning which resulted in devastating
outcomes. The EU head further declared that EU is ready to initiate measures as soon as there is
a genuine political transition from the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in progress
(Abuzayan, Whyte and Bell 2015).
The conference held in Brussels can be perceived as an opportunity for the parties to
coordinate their efforts to end the conflict and assist the nation in its reconstruction. Mogherini
pointed out the significance of obtaining support of regional nations onside such as Saudi Arabia,
which stands in opposition to Assad, Iran, which supports the President in rejecting the demand

5SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
for him to step down (Crawley and Skleparis 2018). The EU head announced that among the
small steps that EU could undertake to reconstruct Syria includes colleting fund to support the
re-building expenses including assistance provided to the country in the form of monitoring,
security and demining the conflict in the nation.
Further, she announced that the EU has already assembled approximately €9.4 million
where a significant amount having been spent on humanitarian missions within Syria. The EU
also may assist the country to restore its basic services like health, education and water to exhibit
that it is advantageous to end the war and maintain peace. The EU may also assist Syria in
drafting a new Constitution and develop election organizations with the assistance of election
management and the EU electoral observation mission.
In order to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Syria, which cost around 320000 lives
and displaced millions since 2011 during the Assad protests that turned into civil war, the Union
has consistently provided support to the attempts made by the UN to resolve the conflict
(Asseburg and Oweis 2017). The future of Assad is the main determinant to decide the
reconstruction of the nation post-war. While several rebel-groups supported by Turkey and
United States have demanded Assad to step down in a settlement, Russia being a long-time ally
to Syria has supported as well as aided the nation in terms of military to fight against such rebel
groups. The rationale behind EU’s ambitious plan to aid Syria in its reconstruction process is that
it perceives the reconstruction as a ‘dividend’ for peace that would encourage the parties in Syria
to make indispensable compromises.

6SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Role of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to play fundamental role in the reconstruction efforts
of Syria under the appropriate conditions, referring to the condition of anonymity. King Salman
informed Vladimir Putin, the Russian President about its disapproval of investing funds that was
required to serve Iran and its militias owing to the presence of the countries in the war-zone
country. Syria lacks two essential elements like lack of natural resources and high tariffs. The oil
reserve of the country has been declining due to depleting reserves amounting to only 0.2 percent
of global production. Due to high tariffs, Syrian products have become less competitive
compared to imports from nations with which Syria has free trade agreements (Buchanan 2015).
Saudi Arabia is willing to assist in reconstructing Syria and shall engage in any related
planning only when the Syrian people would come to a political solution without resorting to any
political intrusion. King Salman of Saudi Arabia also contended that Iran must cease interfering
with the internal affairs of the countries located in that region and must refrain from continuing
any activities that is responsible for destabilizing the particular region (Diansaee and Yurtaev
2017).
Saudi Arabia has stated that it will contribute in the reconstruction process only when the
nation has a new government and a new regime that aims at achieving stability. This would only
assist in achieving stability and developing a means of understanding with all the components
present within the Syrian society. This would not only help Syria in its rebuilding process but
will also restore its relations with Saudi Arabia (Devarajan and Mottaghi 2016).
Saudi Arabia plans to work together with Russia in the reconstruction process of Syria
and bring together its fragmented position, leading it to political process as asserted by the

7SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Adel al-Jubeir (Devarajan and Mottaghi 2016). The alignment
of both the countries to restore Syria is evident from the fact that both the countries have agreed
to safeguard the territorial integrity of Syria and state institutions. Both the countries have also
agreed to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and they have
affirmed the principle of territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia is said to have planned to restore the
country beyond financial assistance (more detail).
Role of India
India has reported to be willing to dealing with significant reconstruction projects in
Syria, which is evident from the fact that it has hosted senior Syrian officials to discuss about its
proposals to assist the country in its reconstruction process. India has already renewed its
commitment towards its pre-war projects, particularly the Tishreen Power plant project that can
be perceived as the premier developmental undertaking of India in Syria. India has expressed its
willingness to commence the project only if the Syria regime is willing to provide security
guarantees for Indian people and the Indian companies. In fact, the security scenarios have been
subjected to review to determine whether the project could be initiated any time in the future.
India had already extended credit line to Syria for $100 million prior to the war but the project
hauled when the war escalated (Chan and Lee 2016).
Syria and India have always maintained friendly ties throughout the war period and the
officials from both the countries have been travelling to each nation on business purpose. The
Assad regime has invited India to take part in the reconstruction process though there are no
immediate projects that could be commenced between both the countries. Syria has also sought
larger role for the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) in negotiations pertaining to

8SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
the reconstruction and crisis efforts. Before the BRICS summit in Goa, there were ongoing ideas
on the possibility of a proposal introduced by BRICS regarding providing fund in the
reconstruction process of Syria pushed by India. Nevertheless, this proposal could not be
implemented due to the deteriorating situation in Syria due to the civil war (Abdenur 2016).
India has maintained a favorable relationship with the Syrian regime from both the
historical as well as from a contemporary perspective. Syria has appreciated the manner in which
BRICS have dealt with the crisis and has requested the countries to play a more active and
constructive role in providing solution to the crisis. Although the country does not seem to have
undertaken any immediate measure in providing crisis resolution immediately, it must strive to
take an active part in the international negotiations for developing consensus with the global
community. In the past years, India had participated in the UN sponsored Geneva II conference
in 2014, wherein the Former Minister of External affairs Salman Khurshid had outlined the
standpoint of the country against a military solution. The country had committed to contribute $4
million in humanitarian aid through the Kuwait International Conferences (Crawley and
Skleparis 2018).
Role of China
Western powers are not willing to assist the country in rebuilding Syria post the civil war
as it is assumed that these powers believe that the wrong side has won. Although Iran and Russia
played a significant role in the outcome of the war, it is believed they are not willing to spend
quarter-trillion dollars needed to reconstruct the country. However, Vice-President of China-
Arab Exchange Association asserts that there is a growing opportunity in Syria. He states that the
nation perceives huge interest among the Chinese companies as there is a huge business potential
in the country, which requires to be entirely rebuilt (Cobain et al. 2016).

9SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
Syria has expressed similar interest and enthusiasm in the willingness of China to
contribute in the reconstruction process. The country is willing to usher in the Chinese
companies with open arms as soon as possible to play an active role in its reconstruction process.
The other western powers such as the United States and its Gulf and European allies that have
played an important role in supporting the Syrian rebels, have been urging for immediate
departure of Syrian leader as they believe he is incapable of stabilizing the country with no future
plans,. However, China estimates that rebuilding Syria implies US$2 billion worth of investment
during this stage. In fact, China has expressed that companies like China National Heavy Duty
Truck Company have been attending Homs and Tartus, Damascus as the companies are aiming
at initiating projects of reconstructing the country by constructing airports, hospitals, bridges,
roads and restore communications and electricity (Chan and Lee 2016).
China asserts that these projects shall enable the country to stabilize and entering into
reconstruction of this country is possible as it matches with Chinese strategy. This is because
Syria already formed a fundamental connection on the Silk Road and the country is ready to
embark on its most ambitious plan to build the multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative as is
expressed by President Xi Jinping. This project shall aim at paving a path for Chinese web of
transportation links and trade all over Africa and Eurasia. Recently, the Chinese government
hosted the “First Trade Fair on Syrian Reconstruction Projects” during which a Chinese-Arab
business group declared a $2 billion commitment from the Chinese government for contributing
in the industrial parks in Syria (Chan and Lee 2016).
However, despite such magnificent planning, the Chinese Business has an obstacle that
might impede the commencement of projects in Syria. The settlements in Euros and dollars are
prohibited because of the EU and US sanctions to sever regime of Mr. Assad from the global

10SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
economy. Nevertheless, this indicates that without compromising on the future of Mr. Assad,
Syria is not likely to receive any assistance on its reconstruction for many coming years. In the
words of Professor Robert Ford, former US Ambassador to Damascus stated that Syria requires
billions of dollar for its rebuilding process while the projects and planning amount to hundreds of
millions of dollars, which also implies that the country is not likely to receive immediate
assistance (Speckhard, Shajkovci and Yayla 2017).
Role of Iran
Iran is also expected to play a significant role in reconstruction process of Syria. Iran
asserted that it would reconstruct and rehabilitate electricity infrastructure in Deir Ezzor and
Damascus due to which an Iranian company was awarded a contract to supply electricity to
Aleppo.It is also stated that Iran has committed to build a power plant in Latakia Province. In
2017, the Iranian Reconstruction Authority in March has declared its plan to rehabilitate 55
schools in Aleppo province. The Governor of Aleppo, Hossein Diyab, stated that Iran was going
to play a significant role in the reconstruction process in Syria as is evident from the Tehran
development, which has initiated attempts in small-scale reconstruction (Scharf 2016).
The Syrian Prime Minister assured the Iranian lawmakers who visited the country that
Damascus will give more priority to the Iranian companies and, in addition, the companies shall
be provided with incentives to participate in the reconstruction process and make investments in
the Syrian market. According to reports, the participation of Iran in the reconstruction of Syria
shall be assigned to Sepah, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] owing to the
security situation in Syria (Patten 2015). The Sepah IRGC is the elite military force of Iran that is
responsible for protecting the Islamic regime against external and internal threats. The guards

11SOURCES FOR FUTURE RECONSTRUCTION IN SYRIA
formed the most powerful economic factor and strengthened their influence over political
decisions. It operates on independently and significantly in sea, land and air forces.
It is also noted that the Syrian government shall decide the extent to which Iran should
participate in the reconstruction process of Syria and the initial work with respect to rebuilding in
progress. The Syrian government has granted the IGRC companies with beneficial contracts on a
non-bidding basis. For instance, one such beneficial contract that was signed between the Iranian
and Syrian government was a contract to construct a mobile phone network in Syria that was
awarded to the IRGC-affiliated Iranian Mobile Telecommunication Company, which formed an
additional source of revenue for the military force of Iran (Patten 2015).
Role of Russia
Russians have been increasing their ties and presence with Syria sine soviet time. The
regional developments over decades brought Syria closer to the Russians and the presence of the
Russians have proved to be more influential in Syria compared to the Western nations. Russia
has received a conditional pledge to extend support to Syria in its post-war reconstruction from
Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his recent visit to the Kremlin as per the
reports of high-diplomatic sources. Syrian government is willing to enhance exchange of trade
with Russia and concentrate on development of suitable environment to attract investments for
stabilizing the economy of the country. Syria has expressed its willingness to implement the
projects settled by the Syrian-Russian joint government Committee for the enhancement of
economic, trade and technical cooperation (Hoxha and Hanitzsch 2017).
The Syrian government is grateful to the strong support that Russia has been extending to
Syria to assist them in safeguarding the cultural and sovereignty identity. Russia is equally