Qatar is set to supply natural gas to Syria through Jordan, aiming to improve the nation’s electricity supply. This initiative, framed as support for Syria’s new rulers post-Assad, serves Qatar’s strategic goals to access European markets. The arrangement reportedly received U.S. approval and is fully funded by Qatar’s development fund, highlighting ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Approximately twelve years ago, events leading to a severe conflict in the Middle East were forecasted, driven by the desire for control over commodities, notably a Qatari gas pipeline through Syria to Europe. Following a sequence of significant developments, including the rise and fall of ISIS and the eventual overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Qatar is poised to supply natural gas to Syria through Jordan, ostensibly aimed at enhancing the nation’s inadequate electricity supply.
The arrangement is being portrayed as substantial support for Syria’s current administration, established after the regime change. However, it is essentially a strategic move facilitating Qatar’s ambition to establish a supply route to Europe via the proposed gas pipeline. This initiative was reportedly approved by the Trump administration, although the specifics of this communication remain unclear.
An agreement has been reached between Qatar’s development fund and Jordan’s energy ministry to transport gas to Syria, addressing its energy scarcity. The operation will see gas received at Jordan’s port in Aqaba and subsequently pumped via the Arab Gas Pipeline to Syria. Jordan’s energy official confirmed that this project is entirely financed by Qatar’s development fund.
The supplied gas will increase output at the Deir Ali power plant in southern Syria by 400 megawatts per day, gradually enhancing Syria’s electricity generation capacity amidst critical shortages. Following the ousting of the Assad regime, Syria has faced significant power loss with minimal state electricity provision.
Damascus historically depended on Iranian oil supplies for electricity, which ceased following regime changes. Currently, the interim government aims to restore power through various measures, including importing electricity from Jordan, yet must resolve existing issues within its electricity grid before implementation can progress.
U.S. support appears crucial in encouraging deals involving Kurdish forces and the central Syrian government, indicative of ongoing American involvement in the region. As the situation unfolds, the Qatari initiative could serve both energy and political interests, reinforcing the new rulers in Syria while laying the groundwork for future pipeline developments to Europe.
In conclusion, Qatar’s planned gas supply to Syria via Jordan marks a strategic revival of ambitions that may ultimately connect Qatari natural gas to European markets. This initiative, while ostensibly aimed at alleviating Syria’s power issues, has substantial geopolitical implications as it seeks to align with U.S. approval and Gulf support for the new Syrian administration. Continuous developments may determine the success of this project amid the backdrop of sanctions and regional volatility.
Original Source: oilprice.com
