Syria at a Crossroads: Turning Fragile Progress into Lasting Recovery

November 25, 2025

Nearly one year after Syria’s political transition, signs of recovery and renewal are beginning to emerge. After fourteen years of brutal conflict, the past twelve months have created new opportunities for economic growth, recovery, and re-engagement from regional and international partners. Yet lagging investment and prolonged global neglect are worsening vulnerabilities, eroding hope, and slowing economic progress.  

Without timely support, recovery risks stalling, and Syrians face the real danger of another lost decade. Every day that passes without action makes rebuilding harder and deepens the challenges communities must overcome. 

Mercy Corps Country Director for Syria, Mathieu Rouquette, says: 

“The past year has shown that change is possible. We've seen Syria’s national and local institutions working to restore essential services, rebuild markets, and create conditions necessary for families to return home and rebuild their lives. These efforts deserve recognition and far greater support.  

“Despite some progress, Syria’s needs are staggering and what should be a promising new chapter is far from being realized. Over 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line and face damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and deep economic strain. Estimates to rebuild Syria hover around $400 billion but could be even twice that. The country is still too fragile to draw meaningful private investment, leaving it trapped between triaged emergency relief and development donors who have not yet recalibrated their terms of trade with Damascus. While sanctions relief offers the promise of a better recovery environment, it is not a silver-bullet solution, and the benefits will take time to materialize.   

“Syria’s future cannot be indefinitely postponed. Donors must act on a no-regret, using quick release funding mechanisms, such as multi-donor trust funds, to bridge that gap and de-risk private investment. The cost of delayed action is too high – for Syria, and for regional growth. Now is the time for deep and sustained international investment in Syria’s recovery – particularly in demining, water, food and energy ecosystems, climate adaptation, and local economic revival. These are the backbones of Syria’s future.  

“What comes next and the investments made today will shape Syria’s trajectory for decades. There is immense opportunity to move the country beyond aid dependency and toward a more stable, self-reliant future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.”  

Mercy Corps has worked in Syria since 2008, delivering essential support including water, food, shelter, sanitation services, and livelihood assistance to communities affected by years of conflict and displacement. Today, we are meeting urgent needs while also supporting early and longer-term recovery:  restoring essential services, strengthening local markets, supporting youth and women, rehabilitating infrastructure, and fostering social cohesion.  

 

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