Urgent Call for U.S. Engagement in Syria to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis

The article emphasizes the urgent need for U.S. engagement in Syria, stating that economic isolation worsens the plight of ordinary citizens. It outlines key steps for aid and recovery, urging immediate sanctions relief, support for essential services, and reintegration into global finance. The proposed actions aim to alleviate suffering, promote stability, and foster recovery, countering the impact of war and neglect.

The moment is critical for the United States to engage with Syria, as maintaining economic isolation merely exacerbates the suffering of ordinary citizens. The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has led to mixed emotions, highlighted by the release of political prisoners but overshadowed by the anguish of those left behind. The international community has displayed urgency in imposing sanctions yet delays in supporting opportunities for progress, demonstrating a troubling inconsistency.

The U.S. should not base its engagement solely on the political recognition of new authorities such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). With the Assad regime’s downfall, the U.S. can create pathways to assist the Syrian people without formally recognizing the new governance. It is crucial to recognize that many Syrians suffer due to a regime they did not elect, and they must not continue to bear the burden of sanctions.

Scaling up humanitarian aid is paramount, yet immediate emergency assistance cannot address the consequences of a shattered economy caused by the war. The conflict has diminished Syria’s GDP value by 85%, with 90% of the populace now living in poverty. A failure to act creates a precarious situation for refugees considering return to a country lacking in basic infrastructure and services.

In essence, the United States risks aggravating a crisis by failing to intervene effectively. For fourteen years, global leaders have declared support for Syria’s populace, but the time for meaningful action is long overdue. The Biden administration must take immediate steps to facilitate recovery and show solidarity with the Syrian people.

To begin, legal clarity regarding sanctions and more humanitarian access is necessary. Syrians urgently need commercial interactions and aid to initiate recovery efforts. The recent license granted by the Biden administration, while a step forward, remains confined in its scope and duration, unable to catalyze significant change. Clarification on HTS’s designation is essential to alleviate the restrictive environment around aid operations.

Second, the U.S. should advocate for the revival of World Bank programs in Syria that had been suspended for 14 years. Restoring basic public services and ensuring salary payments for essential government workers like doctors and teachers will help provide immediate relief. Historical models have shown success in supporting public services amidst conflict, ensuring community stability in the process.

Lastly, establishing a pathway for reintegrating Syria into the global financial system will assist in the development efforts required for recovery. Without this, progress remains halting and reliant on unofficial financial methods. A clear roadmap with benchmarks for compliance with international banking standards can facilitate foreign investment and commercial activity necessary for rebuilding a fractured economy.

These proposed steps would build confidence and lay the groundwork for addressing more complex issues involving security and recognition of a future Syrian government. If preliminary objectives are achieved, the U.S. should lead an international convening to elicit broader economic support from the international community. While Syria is currently not facing outright famine or warfare, neglecting this crucial moment will solidify its place as a significant humanitarian tragedy of the 21st century.

The article calls for renewed engagement from the United States in Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, spotlighting the urgency to alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by economic sanctions. With millions suffering from poverty, the piece emphasizes the necessity for legal and financial reform to facilitate recovery. It argues against conditional support based on political recognition of the new ruling authorities and advocates for humanitarian aid and international cooperation to rebuild the country. The turmoil in Syria has led to widespread displacement and instability, with the Syrian population enduring dire economic conditions. The United States has the potential to significantly influence recovery efforts, suggesting that a strategic approach could prevent further deterioration and encourage stability in the region. The article underscores that inaction will only lead to a deeper entrenchment of conflicts and humanitarian crises. As global leaders have frequently pledged solidarity with Syria, the author argues that those promises must translate into action to foster recovery and support the Syrian people feeling abandoned in their time of need.

In conclusion, the United States must act decisively to support Syria amidst its severe humanitarian crisis. The proposed measures aim to facilitate access to aid, revive essential services, and reconnect Syrian financial institutions to the global economy. By addressing the need for immediate assistance and long-term recovery, U.S. engagement could pave the way for positive change and stability in a region long affected by conflict. Failure to engage effectively could lead to further suffering and turmoil for the Syrian population.

Original Source: foreignpolicy.com