The Paris conference gathers Western allies and Arab nations to discuss Syria’s future post-Assad’s regime. The U.S. aid freeze has led to concerns over the reconstruction efforts that need estimated aid between $250 and $400 billion. The meeting aims to support a peaceful transition and coordinate international aid amidst ongoing humanitarian crises and governance challenges after the civil war.
Western allies and Arab nations convened on Thursday in Paris for a crucial conference focused on Syria’s future, following the removal of Bashar Assad from power and amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign aid. This gathering marks the third such conference post-Assad’s ouster and is the first under President Trump’s administration, when concerns have surged over the U.S.’s diminished commitment to the region.
The Trump administration’s freeze on foreign assistance, crucial for a war-torn country like Syria, has raised alarm. Under this freeze, the U.S. is withdrawing nearly all USAID personnel, significantly impacting a mission that has historically aimed to combat poverty and disease in the Middle East. As a result, many organizations in Syria, which relied heavily on U.S. funding, face closure, particularly in the devastated northwest.
Syria requires vast amounts of financial aid and investment for reconstruction after 14 years of conflict. Estimates for rebuilding the country range from $250 billion to over $400 billion. The ongoing humanitarian crisis worsens with government salaries at unsustainably low levels, forcing many citizens to rely on foreign remittances and international aid, now severely constrained by the U.S. aid halt.
The conference seeks to coordinate international aid and support for a stable transition in Syria. Despite the U.S.’s ambiguous role under the Trump administration, a French official indicated that clarity on U.S. positions would not emerge at the conference. Meanwhile, Syrian forces, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, face challenges establishing governance amidst power consolidation efforts.
With the situation compounded by the presence of extremist groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has emerged as the de facto authority in parts of Syria, the conference aims to foster cooperation among regional partners and address the myriad challenges impacting post-Assad Syria. This event is seen as a pivotal step towards international engagement and discussions about lifting sanctions that hinder recovery efforts.
Syria’s interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, was invited, marking his first trip to Europe. He emphasized during a recent summit the need for improved relations with the West and the removal of sanctions to facilitate rebuilding efforts after the long-standing civil conflict.
The Paris conference aims to address Syria’s future in light of significant challenges following the fall of Bashar Assad. With a crucial lack of funding post-U.S. aid freeze, the reconstruction efforts require international collaboration and support. Syrian officials express a desire for improved international relations and the lifting of sanctions to enable recovery from the extensive damages of war.
Original Source: apnews.com
