The Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan hosted a discussion about Syria’s reconstruction post-civil war, featuring Qutaiba Idlbi and Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji. They emphasized the brain drain and societal challenges while promoting the importance of international support. The speakers highlighted the evolution of governance under Ahmed al-Sharaa and called for the removal of sanctions to support rebuilding efforts.
The Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan hosted a discussion featuring Qutaiba Idlbi from the Atlantic Council and Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji from Michigan State University. The speakers addressed post-civil war reconstruction in Syria, focusing on the civil conflict’s aftermath and the new government’s state-building strategies. They underscored the extensive challenges Syria faces in its recovery following over a decade of turmoil.
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa emerged as Syria’s new leader. Known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, Sharaa led the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group, which had originally operated out of Idlib. The talk detailed Syria’s struggles with rebuilding and addressing the significant emigration of educated citizens.
Idlbi emphasized the ongoing devastation wrought by the civil war, particularly citing a “brain drain” where many professionals have fled. He noted that approximately half of the Syrian population has left the country, marking this trend as the largest since World War II. Despite these hardships, he acknowledged a prevailing sense of optimism among the populace about their newfound freedom.
Moreover, Syrians are relieved to be free from the authoritarian regime of Assad, as expressed by Idlbi. He recounted that while many were visibly struggling, the joy at regaining control of their nation overshadowed their difficulties.
The speakers discussed the mixed perceptions of Sharaa in the West, particularly regarding his alleged ties with Al-Qaeda. Both Idlbi and Katranji argued that he has distanced himself from such associations and is actively combating extremist groups. Katranji’s firsthand experiences in providing humanitarian relief in Idlib contrasted sharply with the disorganized aid efforts in Assad-controlled regions.
Katranji described functioning civil institutions and civic engagement in Idlib, stating, “There was structure, there was institutions and that’s what’s critical to understand.” This stands in stark contrast to the chaos observed in Assad’s areas, where aid efforts were hampered by bureaucratic obstacles.
Idlbi also pointed out that the civil war, while catastrophic, led to the establishment of self-governing institutions during a time when Syrians were given the opportunity to build their future. He contrasted this with the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, asserting that unlike the Iraqis, Syrians had agency in their nation-building endeavors.
Despite the U.S.’s controversial past interventions in the region, Idlbi expressed optimism regarding its potential role in Syria’s reconstruction. He asserted that American involvement should not dictate terms but rather support the values and visions of the Syrian people. “We can’t really escape who we are: We’re the empire of this era,” he emphasized.
Katranji further discussed the implications of the U.S. sanctions stemming from the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which have persisted despite the fall of Assad. He urged for their removal, warning that failing to act might create a power vacuum. “If you wait too long, then another vacuum will be created,” he cautioned.
He highlighted the urgency for global consensus on sanction relief, indicating that many international actors, including the European Union and the United Nations, have already suggested easing restrictions. Katranji urged for engagement with U.S. civic leadership over the next three months to expedite this process.
Students also expressed their thoughts on the event, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and accurate information regarding the situation in Syria. Razaan Killawi, co-president of Students Organize for Syria, encouraged fellow students to attend similar events and seek information from on-the-ground journalists to combat disinformation.
In summary, the discussion at the Weiser Diplomacy Center provided critical insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Syria in the aftermath of civil war. The speakers highlighted the potential for rebuilding, stressing the importance of international support that respects the autonomy and aspirations of the Syrian people.
The Weiser Diplomacy Center’s discussion on Syria’s reconstruction revealed important perspectives on the aftermath of the civil war and the evolution of governance under new leadership. The speakers argued for the necessity of international engagement while respecting Syrian agency. They emphasized the potential for rebuilding amidst challenges, with a focus on the urgency of lifting sanctions to facilitate recovery. The event also showcased the role of civic engagement and accurate reporting in addressing the ongoing crisis. Overall, it highlighted the resilience and determination of the Syrian people in reconstructing their future.
Original Source: www.michigandaily.com
