Suffering the loss of his arms due to a devastating explosion, Mohammad Hasram, a Syrian adolescent, has been equipped with prosthetic limbs, financed by Saudi Arabia. This act showcases Saudi Arabia’s strategy to amplify its influence over Damascus, deploying significant aid and investment. The changes came about with the change in the regime, notably the deposition of President Bashar al-Assad in December, which elicited a generous outpour of financial assistance from Saudi Arabia to the newly established Syrian leadership.
The primary objective of Saudi Arabia’s approach, making use of its oil-backed wealth, is to bring Syria closer to its fold and ensure the future alignment on matters concerning Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran. Saudi Arabia has been diligent in nurturing relations with Syria’s fresh governance, with ambitions to weaken the strong ties Syria has historically maintained with powers such as Iran and Russia. In an impressive diplomatic move in May, the Saudi leadership persuaded visiting US executives to consider repealing economic sanctions on Syria.
One of the main tactics employed by Saudi Arabia is the strategic use of its substantial oil assets to achieve its desired outcomes. A spectrum of investment and partnership agreements has been signed between the two nations aimed at aiding the post-war recovery process of Syria. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has made a commitment to shoulder Syria’s sizable debt to the World Bank.
As a part of their recovery plan, Riyadh pledged to reconstruct indispensible infrastructural systems such as schools, hospitals, and bakeries, and has also taken on the massive task of removing debris from Syrian cities. As well as this, they have made promises to supply oil for power generation. The overarching aim here is for Saudi Arabia to ensure that other Gulf nations do not overpower its influence, and simultaneously counterbalance the sway held by Turkey.
After Assad’s regime ended, Saudi Arabia dispatched medical teams to various Syrian locales, performing a range of medical procedures including open-heart surgeries and cochlear implant operations. The surging joy of 13-year-old Hasram, one of those who received new prosthetic limbs, became a striking symbol of this momentous change. He gave voice to his happiness, expressing his excitement to be able to hold a pen, draw, and engage in activities with his peers once more.
With the more local perspective in the northwest base of the new Syrian rulers, a shopkeeper weighed in on the Saudi investments, endorsing them but with a caveat. He highlighted the importance of these economic efforts having no repercussions on the political landscape or intrusions in domestic affairs.
An expert on Syrian affairs at a Cairo-based political study center provided another viewpoint. According to this expert, Saudi Arabia seeks to fill the enormous power void left after the termination of the Assad family’s long-standing rule, which lasted over fifty years. The substantial economic and humanitarian aid extended by Saudi Arabia was underlined as a strategic maneuver, aimed to establish a defense perimeter for the Gulf. This buffer is intended to prevent Syria from descending back into disorder, or affiliating with potentially hazardous regional powers.
Another serious issue raised is the widespread trade in a certain narcotic substance, which emerged as Syria’s principal export during the civil conflict and served as a crucial source of state revenue. The new Syrian government, post Assad’s overthrow, has been actively trying to curb this illicit drug trade. Despite numerous drug seizure announcements, the smuggling activities are unfortunately still ongoing.
One of the top priorities remains to completely dismantle the drug industry. In its place, Saudi Arabia aims to foster the growth of a legitimate economic alternative, to offer a more stable and law-abiding source of income. This is seen as one of the key elements in fully restoring order and prosperity to this war-torn nation.
The post Syrian Teen Gets Prosthetic Limbs, Courtesy of Saudi Aid appeared first on Real News Now.
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