Farhat Jameel Abdullah, the Syrian Assistant Minister of Oil and Mineral Wealth, has raised significant concerns about the detrimental effects of the American military presence and oil theft by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Syria’s economy. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Abdullah elaborated on the profound consequences of these activities on the country’s oil and gas sector, which has historically been a cornerstone of Syria’s national income and state treasury. He emphasized that the disruption in oil production and revenue has not only strained the national economy but also severely impacted the livelihoods of countless Syrian citizens.
Impact on Oil Resources and Production
The Syrian Minister Abdullah pointed out that before the conflict, Syria’s oil production, particularly from the oil-rich regions east of the Euphrates River, was a major contributor to the state treasury, with production levels reaching approximately 350,000 barrels per day. However, the American military presence and their support for the Syrian Demcratic Forces have resulted in the unauthorized extraction and theft of oil from these regions. He highlighted that such activities are causing significant depletion of Syria’s oil reserves and harming the future productivity of these vital resources. This unsustainable extraction has led to a substantial decrease in available oil for the Syrian government, which is now deprived of a key revenue source.
Economic Sanctions and Their Effects on the Syrian Economy
The situation is further exacerbated by the stringent economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its Western allies. Abdullah stressed that these sanctions have had a crippling effect on Syria’s economy by hindering foreign investment and driving away crucial exploration and production companies. He noted that before the imposition of these sanctions, seven major exploration companies were actively operating in Syria, contributing to the development and sustainability of the oil sector. The loss of these companies has resulted in a sharp decline in reserves and production rates, leaving Syria in a precarious economic position.
The direct and indirect losses in the oil sector due to the occupation and sanctions have been estimated at approximately 120 billion U.S. dollars. This economic blow has forced Syria, which was once self-sufficient in oil production, to resort to importing oil, further straining its financial resources and affecting the overall economy.
Broader Economic and Social Impact
Abdullah underscored the broader economic and social impact of these developments. The reduction in oil revenue has led to significant budgetary shortfalls, affecting public services and infrastructure development. The loss of employment opportunities in the oil sector has also exacerbated the unemployment rate, contributing to social instability and hardship for many Syrian families.
Strategic Response and Future Plans
Despite these challenges, Abdullah conveyed a message of resilience and strategic planning. The Ministry of Oil and Mineral Wealth is actively exploring alternative strategies to secure oil products for the public and mitigate the negative effects on the economy. The ministry is prioritizing investments in the regions west of the Euphrates River, where the government maintains control and stability. By focusing on these areas, the ministry aims to enhance production rates and optimize the extraction and utilization of available resources.
Additionally, the ministry is seeking new gas fields and is committed to employing advanced technologies to improve production efficiency. Abdullah emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly with nations that are friendly towards Syria and willing to support its efforts in revitalizing the oil and gas sector. He mentioned that collaborations with these supportive countries could play a crucial role in overcoming the current challenges and rebuilding Syria’s economic foundation.
Conclusion
Farhat Jameel Abdullah’s detailed insights provide a sobering view of the complexities and challenges faced by Syria’s oil and gas sector amidst geopolitical conflicts. The American military presence and the actions of the SDF have significantly undermined Syria’s economic stability by depriving the nation of its critical oil resources. As Syria grapples with these obstacles, the government’s focus on strategic investments, technological advancements, and international partnerships will be essential for ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for its people.
Abdullah concluded his interview with a call for resilience and innovation, underscoring the importance of leveraging modern technologies and fostering international cooperation to rebuild Syria’s oil sector. Despite the formidable challenges, he expressed optimism that with strategic planning and determination, Syria can overcome its current difficulties and reclaim its position as a self-sufficient and prosperous oil-producing nation.
