In a major move that could reshape Syria’s future, the World Bank announced on Friday that Syria’s outstanding debt of $15.5 million has been fully paid off. But this payment didn’t come from Syria itself. Rather, the full money was paid on Syria’s behalf by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The International Development Association (IDA), a division of the World Bank that aids the world’s poorest nations, was the recipient of this debt. The IDA gives out loans and grants at very low or even zero interest, making it easier for struggling nations to fund basic services and projects.
For years, Syria had not been able to receive any help from the World Bank because of this unpaid debt. But now, with that money repaid, Syria is back in the system. This means the country can once again borrow money for important rebuilding efforts.
The news was welcomed by officials in Syria, who said it would help the country recover after more than a decade of devastating conflict. The war, which lasted 14 years, caused enormous damage. Around half a million people lost their lives, and entire neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, and roads were destroyed. Millions of people were forced to flee their homes, and many still live in camps or in other countries.
Now that the debt is gone, the World Bank can restart its work in Syria, focusing on projects that can improve everyday life for ordinary Syrians.
First Project: Fixing the Electricity Crisis
According to the World Bank, their first new project in Syria will deal with one of the country’s biggest problems: electricity. Currently, most homes in Syria only get power for about two hours a day from the government. The rest of the time, people live in the dark, or they use private generators to keep lights and appliances on.
But private generators are very expensive. Many families simply can’t afford them. The same goes for solar panels, which are another alternative but are also costly. This means that for millions of Syrians, electricity is a luxury they cannot depend on.
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The situation is so bad that the United Nations estimates that around 90% of Syrians are now living in poverty. That means they don’t have enough money for basic needs like food, shelter, or power.
To help, Qatar started sending natural gas to Syria through Jordan in March. This gas is used to run power stations and has helped reduce electricity cuts in some areas. However, the overall power supply is still very weak, and much of the infrastructure is damaged or outdated.
That’s why the World Bank’s decision to focus on electricity is so important. The new project aims to repair damaged power plants, improve the electric grid, and possibly increase the hours when power is available each day. This will be a big help not just for homes, but also for schools, hospitals, and businesses that need reliable electricity to function.
Sanctions and the Path Ahead
Even with the debt cleared and new projects on the table, rebuilding Syria will not be easy. One of the biggest challenges is the set of economic sanctions that were placed on the country during the long rule of its previous government. These sanctions made it hard for Syria to trade, get foreign investments, or receive international help.
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But there may be changes coming. Earlier this week, the President of the United States visited the Middle East and met with Syria’s current leader during a stop in Saudi Arabia. During that meeting, the U.S. The president declared his intention to remove the sanctions. If that happens, it could make a big difference. It would mean Syria could attract more investment, buy needed materials, and receive aid from more countries.
For now, though, the big news is the repayment of Syria’s debt to the World Bank. This single action—taken by Saudi Arabia and Qatar—has reopened the doors for international support. The first step is tackling the electricity problem, but more help could follow.
After years of conflict, hardship, and isolation, this financial reset offers Syria a rare opportunity to begin rebuilding its essential services. With the support of the World Bank and regional partners, efforts to restore power and improve living conditions are now officially underway.
