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Syria has gone through multiple phases, each marked by severe repercussions for both the Syrian people and other states in the region. Today, the war-torn country is at a crucial juncture: The Assad regime, which ruled the country for five decades, has finally faced its inevitable end.
The regime’s rapid collapse presents opportunities for Turkiye and the Gulf states to play a pivotal role in the future of Syria by focusing on two key areas: Streamlining the political and military opposition, and organizing the political and economic reconstruction of the country. These efforts will not only enhance Syria’s stability, but will also create conditions for the safe and voluntary return of Syrians to their homeland. Turkiye and the Gulf states can contribute effectively to the creation of a new and stable political order in Syria by supporting Syrians in securing a peaceful transitional government. This stable order will in turn provide a conducive atmosphere for post-Assad reconstruction efforts spearheaded by Ankara and the Gulf capitals.
The first phase is the streamlining of the fragmented Syrian opposition. Turkiye and the Gulf states, with their political and financial leverage, can foster greater coordination among both political and military opposition groups. By establishing “coordination committees” that include representatives from diverse opposition factions, they can help streamline efforts, create a platform for healthy dialogue, help to reconcile differences, and present a unified voice for an inclusive and well-represented civic framework that is vital for the reconstruction phase. Within this context, the new government must build a governance structure that is able to establish dialogue with everyone. Additionally, Turkiye and the Gulf states could facilitate forums to integrate civil society leaders into the opposition’s political and governance structures, ensuring that all Syrians, including minorities and women, have a stake in the future of their country.
Reconstruction of Syria cannot be achieved without reconciliation, reform, and rule of law. Turkiye and the Gulf states can depend on Syrians who have experienced how rule of law has been implemented in countries where they have taken refuge during the past decade or more. For years, both Turkiye and the Gulf states have hosted Syrian intellectuals, former officials, and business leaders who could be key assets for Syria’s future governance. Working together with these individuals to form a national transitional government is significant at the reconciliation phase. The summit that is scheduled to take place in Jordan on Saturday between foreign ministers of Turkiye, Gulf states, and Syria’s neighbors is a significant attempt to show a collaborative regional effort for Syria’s future.

Rebuilding will be a tough task for a new government.

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

The second phase is organizing the rebuilding of the country. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who visited Damascus on Thursday along with Turkish intel chief, said that Turkiye will continue to work with neighboring countries for Syria’s reconstruction, and will collaborate with the new administration to address its economic and other problems. Given the unprecedented levels of damage and destruction, it is clear that reconstruction and development of the country will cost hundreds of billions. Turkiye and the Gulf states can spearhead an international and coordinated reconstruction effort that would include settlements, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, bridges, and roads. Turkiye — by taking the lead in construction — and the Gulf states — by funding these reconstruction initiatives — can co-develop a single reconstruction strategy for Syria to avoid any sort of failure in the reconstruction process.
Turkiye has experience in post-war reconstruction in neighboring countries such as Iraq, and could bring that expertise to Syria. In the same vein, the Gulf states have the financial resources to contribute significantly to Syria’s reconstruction. They have experience from Iraq, where they pledged billions to fund Iraq’s rebuilding, the largest amount after Turkiye. They could follow a similar policy for Syria.
The next phase is the return of refugees to their homeland. Millions of Syrians fled the war-torn country, seeking refuge primarily in neighboring countries such as Turkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan. Without basic infrastructure and economic opportunities, refugees will be hesitant to return to a country that has been left in ruins. Last year, Turkiye announced that at least 1 million Syrian refugees are set to return home to permanent residences that will be built in northern Syria. Similar strategies could be implemented by the Gulf states.
Reconstruction of Syria will not only pave the way for the return of refugees, but also contribute to the economic stability of the entire region. With a stable government in Syria, Turkiye and the Gulf states can make investments that will provide a new market for goods and services, leading to economic benefits and quality services for Syrians.
However, rebuilding  Syria’s infrastructure, economy, and governance structures will be a tough task for a new government to be established in a country where the economy has collapsed. Hadi Al-Bahra, president of the Syrian National Coalition, acknowledged that they need to start early recovery projects to make life easier for the people, and also to increase job opportunities.
Thus, there are three key phases, namely “Three Rs,” for Turkiye and the Gulf states to support in Syria: reconciliation, reconstruction, and refugee return. Given its experience in rebuilding post-war states, Turkiye has an opportunity to play a leading role in Syria’s political and economic reconstruction in collaboration with the Gulf states. This rebuilding is likely to take years, and its success will depend on overcoming political, logistical, and security challenges.

• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz