Reconstruction of Syria will cost more than $200 billion. Bombs aren't helping.
On July 6, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the overthrow of the Assad dictatorship. He brought with him a group of French CEOs. Macron's host, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda militant turned statesman, must have been thrilled. He has sought foreign investment and recognition since taking power about 18 months ago. The two bombs that rocked the center of Damascus the following morning were much less welcome. They are a reminder of the limits of Syria's recovery.
The World Bank estimates total reconstruction costs at $216 billion, ten times Syria's GDP in 2024. Syria is painfully cash-strapped.
The explosions occurred near a hotel in Damascus where Macron spent the night, injuring 18 people. Macron continued his visit, meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
(Note: Illustrative image of similar context; original source mentions photo by David Guttenfelder)