What’s New
The United Nations migration agency estimates that around 100,000 people have entered Syria from neighboring countries since Dec. 8, following the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Many of these displaced people are attempting to return to their former homes, highlighting Syria’s ongoing challenges while it seeks to rebuild after over five decades under Assad family rule.
Why It Matters
Syria remains heavily impacted by years of civil war, and now its caretaker government faces the monumental task of rebuilding the country while navigating complex political terrain both domestically and internationally.
The ongoing displacement crisis, with millions of Syrians still living abroad, complicates the efforts to rebuild. The caretaker government’s success will hinge on their ability to garner global support and address internal divisions.
What to Know
Amy Pope, the director-general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), visited Syria to meet with members of the caretaker government, U.N. officials, and advocacy groups.
Pope noted that “there’s certainly people who cross informally and so they’re not counted” as part of the 100,000. Additionally, the IOM reported that around 85,000 people have fled Syria into Lebanon, many through established border crossings.
Pope’s statement suggests that the new government recognizes the need for international collaboration to stabilize and rebuild Syria.
Pope’s visit to Syria made her one of the first U.N. agency heads to meet with the new leadership since the fall of the Assad regime.
The IOM has been providing humanitarian assistance in Syria since 2014 and is seeking $30 million in urgent aid to support nearly 685,000 people in the country’s northwest over the next four months.
News of the U.N. visit to Syria comes just a day after a U.S.-based Syrian advocacy group announced Monday that a mass grave discovered outside Damascus holds the remains of at least 100,000 people, including U.S. and British nationals allegedly killed by the former government of Assad.
Assad, who ruled Syria for 24 years after succeeding his father’s three-decade regime, was recently overthrown by a coalition of rebel forces, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States.
Following the fall of Assad’s government, the majority of his former territory came under the control of Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, a former Al-Qaeda commander and the leader of HTS. The group has since begun establishing a new government and initiating diplomatic relations with foreign states.
What People Are Saying
Amy Pope, the director-general of the International Organization for Migration: “I was reassured by the commitments I heard from the new leaders. They recognize the job they have ahead of them is enormous and that they need the support of the international community.”
Geir Pedersen, U.N. envoy to Syria: “There is a lot of hope. We can all see the beginning of a new Syria.”
David Lammy, U.K. Foreign Secretary: The U.K. would support an “inclusive transitional political process that is Syrian-led and Syrian-owned.”
What Happens Next
The IOM will continue its support for Syria, but the country’s ability to recover will largely depend on the caretaker government’s success in rebuilding and securing international support.
Pope’s visit indicates growing global attention on Syria’s reconstruction, but challenges remain.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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