Article to link:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/12/ministers-from-17-countries-meet-in-saudi-talks-on-speeding-aid-to-damascus
A meeting in Riyadh brought together ministers from 17 countries to discuss speeding up aid to Syria while pressuring the new government to be more inclusive. The US has eased some sanctions, allowing more aid and energy supplies, with Qatar sending gas to Syria. Saudi Arabia is taking a leading role in Syria’s reconstruction, alongside Turkey and Qatar. The new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has promised to form a broader government by March, but diplomats are skeptical, fearing delays and challenges in creating a democratic system. There are concerns over Syria’s courts, military integration, and the fate of minority groups like the Alawites. Turkey’s conflict with Kurdish forces complicates the situation, with Syria’s Kurds asking for Western protection from Turkish attacks. While international aid continues, rebuilding Syria could cost up to $500 billion, and there’s caution about lifting more sanctions too soon.
Syria is on the way to try and create a new strong government that can bring back more refugees back from Europe and the states surrounding the country. With the help of these countries who surround it will help syria grow their economy till they can stand on their own. Russia and Iran not being at this summit is really showing the shift in how this new government will be run. It really seems like this section of middle east and northern Africa around turkey and qatar are really trying lessen conflict and make allies with each other rather than fighting like israel and hamas.
Turkey and Qatar are giving money to the new syrian government to have positive relations in there region for the future. Although Syria produces relatively modest quantities of oil and gas, its location is strategic in terms of regional security and prospective energy transit routes. The geological location of the country is a crucial part to why these bigger countries are helping out. Also the less conflict there is the less money they will need to spend on conflict.