Between June 1 and June 7, 2026, a team of peace and conflict researchers conducted a field study across Syria, visiting Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, and Raqqa. The journey, which included over 200 interviews with returnees, local officials, and humanitarian workers, aimed to document how the country is navigating its transition following the collapse of the Assad regime.

The researchers observed a stark contrast between ongoing recovery and lingering destruction. While some areas, such as the Damascus neighborhood of Abu Rummaneh, exhibit relative stability with busy cafes and restaurants, other districts like Jobar remain heavily damaged. Many residents in the capital have not visited these devastated areas since the war, creating a sense of fragmentation within the city itself.

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Economic instability remains a primary concern for the population. With over 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line and nearly 16.5 million people in need of humanitarian aid, the country faces significant challenges. Reconstruction costs are estimated by the World Bank to exceed US$200 billion, yet international funding remains limited, with the UN’s 2025 humanitarian response plan receiving only 14% of its required budget. Basic services, including electricity, water, and sanitation, remain severely compromised, and millions of children are currently out of school.

For many Syrians, the return to their home country is only the beginning of a difficult process. The researchers noted that returnees often struggle to find employment that matches their skills, with many forced into low-wage work or living in precarious conditions. Despite these hardships, the team witnessed the persistence of cultural traditions, such as weddings featuring traditional chants and celebrations, serving as a reminder of the resilience of social bonds amid an uncertain future.

Source: The Conversation