Turkey and Qatar are sending power ships to Syria to augment electricity supply as the U.S. eases sanctions following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. With Syrian infrastructure ravaged by civil war, the ships will contribute 800 megawatts of power. Both countries have renewed diplomatic ties with Syria, and ongoing discussions aim to alleviate the long-standing energy crisis.
On Tuesday, the head of Syria’s electricity department announced the dispatch of two power ships from Turkey and Qatar to enhance the country’s electricity supply, following the easing of U.S. sanctions in light of Bashar al-Assad’s exit. Over 13 years of civil conflict have severely damaged Syria’s energy infrastructure, resulting in electricity shortages lasting up to 20 hours daily. Khaled Abu Dayy, the director of the national electricity company, stated that these ships would contribute an additional 800 megawatts of power, representing half of the current capacity. Efforts are underway to establish power lines for electricity transport from the ships’ docking site, although specific locations have not been disclosed.
In the wake of Assad’s relocation to Moscow, both Turkey and Qatar have resumed diplomatic ties by reopening their embassies in Damascus. Turkey has historically collaborated with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, who have been instrumental in the offensive against Assad, thus allowing Turkey continued influence in Syrian affairs. Moreover, a delegation from Turkey’s energy ministry recently visited Damascus, indicating ongoing engagement in energy cooperation. The region remains home to nearly three million Syrian refugees displaced since 2011, and Assad’s diminished authority has stimulated speculation about their potential return.
The transitional government in Syria has campaigned for the removal of sanctions, although international responses have been slow and cautious. Western nations are closely monitoring the new governance’s actions before any decisions are made regarding sanctions. Nonetheless, the United States announced that it would permit fuel and electricity donations to Syria for a six-month period. The ongoing civil war has resulted in over half a million fatalities and devastated the economy, with the energy sector alone suffering an estimated $100 billion in losses since 2011.
The Syrian civil war, which has lasted over 13 years, has resulted in critical damage to the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread electricity shortages and severe economic decline, impacting daily life for civilians. Recent geopolitical shifts, including a change in international attitudes towards the Assad regime, have paved the way for humanitarian assistance and electricity support from neighboring countries such as Turkey and Qatar. The easing of U.S. sanctions signifies a potential turning point for the region as it seeks to recover from protracted violence and instability.
The arrival of power ships from Turkey and Qatar marks a significant step towards addressing Syria’s chronic electricity shortages exacerbated by years of conflict. It reflects changing international dynamics post-Assad’s exit, allowing for greater humanitarian cooperation. However, while these developments are promising, the overarching situation remains precarious, reliant on continued international support and careful diplomacy to reconstruct the crippling energy infrastructure and stabilize the nation as it heals from its war-torn past.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
