A report published by the American magazine The National Interest by writer Ivar Jansen confirms that the path to safe return to Syria after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime remains fraught with obstacles. This is because the new Syrian government needs a plan supported by strong international funding, effective oversight mechanisms, and broad political support to achieve the desired success.
The magazine added that the issue of when Syria will be ready to receive millions of its displaced citizens occupies a prominent position in European political discourse.
After the fall of the Assad regime and the formation of a transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, many European Union countries succumbed to internal pressure and began suspending asylum applications and considering the deportation of Syrian refugees.
With approximately 14 million Syrians displaced worldwide, including 6 million in neighboring countries and Europe, pressure is mounting to find urgent solutions.
Is Syria Ready?
In his report, author Jansen notes that approximately half a million Syrians have already returned, but they have encountered a difficult reality, characterized by continued intermittent violence, poor security, the destruction of infrastructure, and the collapse of services.
Janssen believes this reality weakens the possibility of reintegration and raises doubts about the feasibility of mass return.
On the humanitarian front, the author warns that the Syrian health system is suffering from numerous problems, given the shortage of doctors and equipment, along with the rising number of injuries from landmines and remnants of war. Any large-scale return threatens to plunge the health system into a deeper crisis.
He emphasized that the government has made promises to hold elections and ensure the protection of minorities, which has strengthened the argument that Syria is now safe for its people to return, especially with the lifting of some US and European sanctions. However, the author says that the fundamental question is: Is Syria truly ready?
He notes that the social and political fabric remains fragile, and any hasty return could lead to renewed displacement if unrest resumes. Therefore, Jansen emphasizes the need for return to be gradual, cautious, and linked to the realities on the ground. International Support
Jensen explains that international support is a key factor at this stage, noting that Gulf states have begun providing aid, while the European Union has allocated €2.5 billion for stabilization programs.
However, in his opinion, the amount of funding remains below the required level, emphasizing that it should be directed thoughtfully toward reconciliation projects, community security, and reintegration programs.
He stated that the issue of property rights remains a prominent challenge facing the return of refugees, as the laws of the former regime still legalize the confiscation of displaced persons' property without guarantees. The report proposes the establishment of an independent international commission to resolve property disputes, similar to the experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a prerequisite for a safe and sustainable return.
The author concludes that Syria will not be ready to return its people until four basic pillars are met: security and protection of minorities, rebuilding health facilities and services, addressing the mine crisis, and guaranteeing property rights.
Until this is achieved, the return of refugees remains subject to a long process that requires patience, funding, and societal and political reconciliation, the author emphasizes.
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