Earlier this week Britain agreed to participate in bombing ISIS bases in Syria. This should come as good news to a majority of people around the world, especially after the terrorist attacks in Paris, but a significant number of people cannot look beyond the comforts of their home and think of the innocent Syrian lives affected; economically, socially and emotionally. As the world unites against terrorism, it is unknowingly playing the role of a terrorist. Sure, carrying out air strikes over ISIS bases will curb the expansion of the organisation, but at what cost? Since 2010, Syria has lost 230,000 of her own, witness 11 million displaced from their homes, and experienced a fall in GDP by 60%. This is no mere coincidence.
Damaged Economy
The cumulative economic loss since war broke out is equivalent to 229 percent of the country’s 2010 gross domestic product, according to research by the Syrian Center for Policy Research. Energy. Manufacturing and agriculture have suffered the most. Syria’s mining and construction workers have also been dealt a blow, with exports dropping from $12 billion to $2 billion.
Refugees On The Run
Four years of conflict has left about 11 million people as refugees or internally displaced. The impact has been particularly acute on Syria’s youngest generation. In a country where the pre-war literacy rate was about 90 percent, many children are now deprived of an education. Consequently a sizeable portion of the population, mainly the youth has left for a better life and opportunity. Syrian refugees expected to arrive in B.C. between now and the end of February are expected to generate $563 million in local economic activity over the next 20 years.
Crude Reduced
Before the European Union suspended crude imports in September 2011, Syria produced about 380,000 barrels a day, according to then Oil Minister Sufian Alao. Production has since collapsed, with Islamic State using the limited supplies for their own operations. A report by Syria’s General Establishment for Petroleum stated that first quarter oil production averaged 9,486 barrels a day.
Syria’s Growing Count
The war has left 230,000 Syrians dead. In the region’s modern history, it is only second to the Iran – Iraq war which left a million people dead on either side. As the ISIS continues to strengthen its hold the rest of the world will continue to spoil their expansion through air strikes. In the middle are the helpless Syrians whose numbers will keep rising.
I do not blame the US and its disciples for this. Although Syria’s fall is attributed to the presence of ISIS and the resulting war, the rest of the world cannot walk out without feeling guilty. They have worsened Syria in their attempt to save her. Do not get me wrong. I am not discouraging the air strikes on ISIS base, but I am pointing out the tragedy facing Syria, hoping that more people understand what the Syrians are suffering through.
Sources:
http://globalnews.ca/news/2374843/syrian-refugees-to-boost-b-c-economy-by-half-a-billion-dollars-report/
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-33244164
https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/files/chathamhouse/field/field_document/20150623SyriaEconomyButter.pdf