This article emphasizes the critical necessity for U.S. engagement in Syria amidst ongoing humanitarian crises following Assad’s regime’ fall. It argues against linking engagement to political recognition and highlights the need for sanctions relief, restoration of World Bank aid, and financial reintegration as essential steps for recovery. Immediate action can alleviate suffering and promote stabilization in Syria.
It is imperative for the United States to actively engage in Syria, as maintaining the current economic isolation merely penalizes ordinary Syrians. Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a glimmer of hope emerged with the release of political detainees; however, there remains pervasive grief for those still imprisoned. The international community must not delay in supporting the Syrian populace at this critical juncture.
Reliance on political recognition of new authorities, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a prerequisite for U.S. engagement is misplaced. The fall of the Assad regime created new opportunities to aid the Syrian people directly. The U.S. can implement strategic support initiatives that enable recovery regardless of government recognition, establishing benchmarks for a transitional government.
The dire humanitarian situation necessitates scaling up aid efforts. Last year, the U.N. received only a third of the required humanitarian assistance, marking the lowest level in a decade. While emergency aid provides temporary relief, it cannot address the extensive economic devastation caused by conflict and sanctions, which has severely impoverished the population and led to alarming survival measures among Syrians.
The United States must prioritize sanctions relief to foster economic recovery in Syria. The recent limited license permitting some transactions with the transitional government is a positive development, yet it remains insufficient in scope. To catalyze meaningful change, these restrictions must be lifted to enable broader economic interactions and ensure effective governance.
Furthermore, the United States should advocate for the reactivation of World Bank programs to restore essential services in Syria, utilizing its influence as the largest shareholder. Immediate funding for salaries of civil servants is vital and would help revive critical infrastructure in health, education, and public services, thereby restoring normalcy in affected regions.
A pathway for the reintegration of Syria’s financial institutions into the international economic system is crucial. Without connecting Syrian banks to the global economy, major development programs face insurmountable challenges. The U.S. can play a pivotal role by outlining standards for reform while encouraging financial institutions to adopt transparent practices free from political interference.
These measures are not only essential for stabilizing the Syrian economy but also serve as confidence-building actions ahead of more challenging discussions regarding the security and political landscape in Syria. U.S. leadership can galvanize international efforts to support postwar recovery while averting a spiraling disaster within a historically significant region.
Finally, it is critical to recognize the urgency of addressing Syria’s humanitarian crisis. Inaction not only prolongs suffering but also risks exacerbating an already volatile situation. The world must seize this moment to facilitate recovery and prevent this humanitarian tragedy from continuing to unfold.
The article discusses the urgent need for U.S. engagement in Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. It highlights the detrimental effects of economic isolation, which primarily affects ordinary Syrians, and emphasizes the moral obligation to provide aid and support. The author argues against tying U.S. engagement to political recognition of new authorities, pointing out the potential for recovery and aid initiatives that do not require such recognition. The piece outlines actionable steps the U.S. can take to foster recovery and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the time for decisive U.S. engagement in Syria is now to alleviate the suffering of its citizens and prevent further instability. By prioritizing sanctions relief, restoring World Bank programs, and facilitating financial reintegration, the U.S. can significantly contribute to recovery efforts. Ignoring this opportunity would not only prolong the humanitarian crisis but also risk deeper conflicts in an already fragile state.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
