Ruling AK Party presents report on Syria’s current situation to President Erdogan

A detailed report on the current state of Syria, prepared by the ruling AK Party’s Human Rights Ministry, has been presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The report highlights the challenges facing Syria following the collapse of the 61-year Baath regime, including widespread destruction, humanitarian crises, and uncertainty among the population.

Widespread uncertainty in Syria

The report underscores that while the fall of the Baath regime has generated a sense of victory across Syrian cities, residents remain deeply anxious about the future.

Key concerns include the potential for renewed conflict, the elimination of the PKK/PYD/YPG presence, and whether the country’s territorial integrity can be restored.

The report, cited by Türkiye daily, highlights the widespread destruction in cities and the lingering fears of residents who have endured years of war and authoritarian rule, with many asking, “What will happen tomorrow? How will order be restored?”

Humanitarian crisis and infrastructure needs

The report paints a grim picture of Syria’s humanitarian situation. Essential services like energy, food and health care are nearly non-existent, while communication infrastructure, including phone and internet services, operates at minimal levels.

Major cities like Aleppo and Damascus are noted as having the potential to recover with adequate support, but smaller towns and villages face near-impossible odds of rebuilding without comprehensive reconstruction efforts.

“Entire areas need to be rebuilt from the ground up,” the report says, adding that creating a safe environment is critical for encouraging displaced Syrians to return.

The document also calls for close cooperation between Türkiye and Syria, particularly between local governments, to address health care challenges and revive critical services. It highlights the need for international support, including United Nations and European Union funding, to facilitate reconstruction efforts.

Ghost towns and human rights concerns

The report raises alarms over the proliferation of ghost towns and the existence of torture centers across Syria, describing them as “horrific and appalling.”

Concerns are also growing over the discovery of mass graves, signaling the continued impact of past atrocities.

Erdogan’s remarks and future initiatives

Commenting on the report, Erdogan reportedly described the Syrian issue as “a truly painful matter” and pledged Türkiye’s commitment to assisting displaced Syrians.

“We will do our best for our brothers and sisters who want to return. People should think about ‘What will happen?’ not ‘What has happened,’” Erdogan reportedly said.

Referring to the fall of the Baath regime, Erdogan remarked: “The Baath regime’s 61 years of oppression have ended. Assad was boasting about controlling these areas. Now what happened? He had to pack up and flee overnight.”

Looking ahead, Türkiye is reportedly considering establishing “twin towns and sister cities” relationships between Turkish cities and those in Syria to aid in the recovery process.