Syria conflict: Deir Az Zor residents find help to rebuild lives

Key Concepts

• Syrian Civil War: The ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on infrastructure and civilian lives.
• Regime Targeting: Systematic targeting of protestors and opposition figures by the Assad regime.
• Internal Displacement: The large-scale movement of Syrians within their own country due to the conflict.
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: The challenges and initial steps involved in rebuilding Syria after years of war.
• Sectarianism: The exploitation of religious and ethnic differences during the conflict.

The Human Cost of Syria’s Civil War: Life Amidst the Ruins of Deir ez-Zor

The report focuses on the situation in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, highlighting the immense human cost of the ongoing civil war and the nascent efforts towards rebuilding. It centers on the experiences of individuals returning to their devastated homes and communities.

Jafar Haj Kasam’s story exemplifies the brutality faced by those who opposed the Assad regime. He recounts participating in the 2011 uprising and subsequently enduring five years of imprisonment, marked by severe torture that resulted in a broken back. His testimony, “I was not the only one targeted. They targeted everyone who went out against the regime. I mean, they wanted us to stay dead inside, insulted and humiliated. A people can't normally handle such insult,” underscores the regime’s deliberate strategy of crushing dissent through systematic abuse and psychological warfare.

Jafar now resides amongst the ruins with his brother’s family, facing daily hardships such as an unreliable water supply and reliance on a car battery for electricity. The district they inhabit was a key battleground, initially occupied by snipers loyal to the Assad regime, and later seized by ISIS forces. The presence of unexploded ordnance, like the mortar mentioned, serves as a constant reminder of the lingering dangers.

Return and Reconstruction: A Fragile Hope

Despite the risks, a gradual return of displaced Syrians is underway. The report notes that approximately 80% of homes in Deir ez-Zor require either repair or complete reconstruction. This has led to a significant increase in rental costs, with prices doubling for the few habitable properties. Tens of thousands of internally displaced Syrians are attempting to rebuild their lives.

One resident, returning after 14 months, expresses a cautious optimism: “I’ve been back here for only about 14 months now. I feel safe. Praise to God. I expect that all of Syria has become safer, not just dear Zor.” However, this sentiment is tempered by the acknowledgement that lasting peace requires security for all of Syria’s religious and ethnic groups. A local resident articulates this need, stating, “We wish peace for everyone that we live as loved ones and friends like before. Before the revolution, we never had sectarianism. We were surprised that the regime tried to exploit these differences. It never crossed our minds. Now, God willing, things are for the better.” This highlights the pre-war social cohesion that was fractured by the conflict and the deliberate manipulation of sectarian tensions by the regime.

Government Role and Future Challenges

The report identifies the Syrian government’s provision of stability as the initial step towards recovery. However, it emphasizes that the primary challenge now lies in providing adequate housing for returning citizens. Bernard Smith, reporting for Al Jazeera from Deir ez-Zor, frames the situation as one of emerging “islands of activity” amidst a “sea of rubble,” illustrating the scale of the reconstruction effort required.

The report concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to subscribe to Al Jazeera for continued coverage and analysis of the Syrian conflict and its aftermath.