Discussion on Post-Civil War Reconstruction in Syria Held at Weiser Diplomacy Center

The Weiser Diplomacy Center hosted a talk on post-civil war reconstruction in Syria featuring Qutaiba Idlbi and Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji. They discussed the devastation of the civil war, the new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the challenges of rebuilding. They highlighted the importance of civic institutions, criticized U.S. sanctions, and called for continued American involvement in reconstruction efforts.

The Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan recently hosted a discussion featuring Qutaiba Idlbi from the Atlantic Council and Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji from Michigan State University. The talk focused on the reconstruction of Syria following 14 years of civil war, analyzing the state-building efforts of the new Syrian government and the substantial challenges faced in the reconstruction process.

The regime of Bashar al-Assad collapsed on December 8, 2024, after prolonged stalemate in the Syrian civil war. Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani and leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham based in Idlib, succeeded him. The discussion explored the enduring devastation from the civil war, particularly the phenomenon known as brain drain, where many educated Syrians have fled the country.

Idlbi remarked on the devastating impacts of the civil war, stating, “There’s a lot for Syrians to rebuild; half of Syria has left the country.” He noted the severity of displaced populations, comparing it to the largest displacements witnessed since World War II. Despite the hardships, he observed a prevailing sense of joy among liberated Syrians who are grateful to be free from the authoritarian regime.

“Syrians are happy to be free of authoritarianism and human rights violations,” stated Idlbi. He captured the duality of emotions present, explaining the visible struggles alongside the resilience and smiles of the Syrian people. While certain critics in the West have targeted Sharaa for his alleged ties to Al-Qaeda, both Idlbi and Katranji countered this view, emphasizing his separation from such affiliations.

Katranji shared his insights on delivering humanitarian relief in Idlib post-earthquake, underscoring the establishment of civic institutions and collaborative efforts among communities. “There was structure, there was institutions,” he explained, highlighting an operational governance model contrasting sharply with the chaos experienced in areas under Assad’s control, where red tape and corruption impeded relief efforts.

Continuing his observations, Katranji contrasted the effective governance seen in Idlib with the oppressive conditions in Assad’s territory. He recounted a lack of coordination and overwhelming bureaucracy that often hindered urgent rescue operations. Idlbi conveyed a belief that the civil conflict, while deeply painful, opened avenues for Syrians to create self-governing institutions absent under previous leadership.

Idlbi urged for continued American involvement in Syria, stating, “We can’t really escape who we are: We’re the empire of this era.” He insisted that while support should not dictate local governance, it remains vital for reconstruction. Katranji addressed the U.S. sanctions imposed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, advocating for their reevaluation as they continue to hinder progress.

“If you wait too long, then another vacuum will be created,” warned Katranji, advocating for timely intervention to facilitate reconstruction. He called for international consensus to ease sanctions, noting the urgency of engaging with civic leaders in the U.S. and abroad.

Art & Design senior Razaan Killawi, co-president of Students Organize for Syria, expressed appreciation for the event and encouraged increased student engagement in such discussions. She emphasized the importance of authentic, on-the-ground reporting in Syria to combat misinformation about the ongoing situation. “I would say to continue to pursue information and information specifically from journalists on the ground especially,” Killawi advocated, reflecting the necessity for accurate narratives in the discourse surrounding Syria.

The talk at the Weiser Diplomacy Center illuminated vital insights on Syria’s reconstruction following a devastating civil war. Key speakers emphasized the ongoing state-building efforts under new leadership, the importance of civic institutions, and the critical role of international assistance. Furthermore, the harmful effects of U.S. sanctions were underscored, prompting calls for reevaluation to foster effective reconstruction. Engaging the student community in these discussions is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities facing Syria today.

Original Source: www.michigandaily.com