✈ The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa marks an important turning point
- This is the first direct meeting between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years
💣 Syria after the war: GDP fell to 9 billion dollars, more than half of the population had to leave their homes
- Before 2011, Syria's GDP was 68 billion dollars.
- By 2025, only about 9.65 billion dollars left, a reduction of 85%
👥 Before the war, Syria had 21 million people. More than half have been displaced everywhere.
- Oil losses exceed 91 billion dollars, mostly controlled by US-backed forces.
- Phosphate mines must be ceded to Russia and Iran in exchange for food and fuel.
🚀 The new government in Syria led by Mr. al-Sharaa begins strong reforms
- Increase civil servant salaries by 400% from February 2025
- Restructuring the tax system before the end of the year
- Shift to a free-market economic model
- The central bank now has only 200 million dollars in reserves, compared to 17 billion dollars in 2010
🧊 The US, UK, and EU begin lifting sanctions,
- Syria cuts ties with Russia – Iran, and maintains stability domestically.
- Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey commit to investing and providing aid in energy, construction, and finance.
In summary:
- There are opportunities – but also many challenges. Syria is gradually being recognized internationally, with many countries wanting to invest.
- But the problem of food shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and piled-up debts still has no clear solution.