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Collapsed Syrian economy requires international assistance for recovery

January 12, 2025 at 1:26 pm

An aerial view of Tishrin neighborhood of Damascus, which was turned into rubble by the ousted regime in Syria, in Damascus, Syria on January 3, 2025. [Abdullah Fevvaz – Anadolu Agency]

After over five decades of dictatorship and 13 years of conflict, Syria faces a demolished infrastructure, destroyed buildings, hundreds of thousands of lives lost, and a collapsed economy, Anadolu Agency reports.

The regime of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for nearly 25 years, came to an end on Dec. 8 when anti-regime groups seized Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia and marking the conclusion of the Baath Party’s control.

The regime’s attacks on infrastructure and the population to maintain power left the economy in shambles, while the civil war that began in 2011 further devastated Syria’s development and human resources.

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The conflict has destroyed homes, businesses, schools, and electricity systems while displacing 6 million Syrians globally and 7 million internally.

Experts say it is challenging to quantify the full extent of economic destruction but emphasize the necessity of international efforts for reconstruction.

The UN humanitarian office last week highlighted a “clear need” to invest in Syria’s long-term stabilization, including rebuilding essential services such as electricity access and helping people secure incomes and livelihoods.

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