A Syrian opposition leader on September 4 called for a massive aid programme to help rebuild his country after President Bashar Assad’s regime falls, warning that a lack of economic development could open the door to extremism. Abdelbaset Sieda, the head of the Syrian National Council, told a meeting of Syrian opposition representatives and diplomats that Syria would need a programme similar to the Marshall Plan, the post-World War II European reconstruction effort, if the Assad regime collapses.
His appeal came as the UN refugee agency said that 100,000 refugees fled Syria in August, the highest monthly total since the uprising began. The rise in people seeking asylum in neighbouring countries brings the total of Syrian refugees registered or awaiting registration to over 234,360, spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said in Geneva.
The Syrian opposition leader also said that Assad’s regime had devastated public finances and institutions to such an extent that Syria won’t be able to rely immediately – or solely – on oil revenues and taxes in any rebuilding effort.