How to repair a country like Syria: Big aid can help but that too needs a reset: Mukesh Kapila

"The rest of us could help or hinder. A serious concern relates to the fragmented international aid system – with its humanitarian, development, and financing divides, agency rivalries and competitive donor interests.

Could our world rise above this to truly help Syria?"  Mukesh Kapila

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Summary
Syria faces immense challenges in rebuilding after over a decade of conflict that left millions displaced, impoverished, and traumatized. The country's cumulative damage, compounded by sanctions and disasters, has devastated infrastructure, economy, and governance. Aid systems, marked by inefficiencies, rivalries, and mistrust, require a reset to effectively support Syria's recovery. Sustainable progress depends on empowering Syrians, fostering economic contributions from refugees and the diaspora, and ensuring transparency in aid delivery. Addressing external debt, recovering stolen assets, and lifting sanctions are critical steps, alongside substantial international investment to rebuild Syria’s economy and infrastructure.


Quotes
“Realising the inclusive new Syria requires something – however small – for everyone.”
“The economic contribution of returnees through repairing and re-starting enterprises is potentially greater than available foreign aid.”
“Donors have a duty to ensure that the new Syria has renewed fit-for-purpose delivery partners.”
“The natural attributes of the Syrian people hitched to Syrian enterprise will do much of the heavy lifting towards recovery.”