Qatar is considering financial aid to Syria’s newly formed government, including paying for a major wage hike for public sector employees, according to US officials and senior diplomats. The aid follows the US granting a six-month sanctions waiver, allowing for transactions with Syrian government entities.
The exemption granted by Washington on Monday opens the door for Qatari participation, as Doha wants to take a leadership role in supporting Syria’s new masters. A senior Arab official said that negotiations with Qatar over providing funding for the salaries of civil servants were still under way and no agreements were reached. Other actors in the region, including Saudi Arabia, would also be required to contribute.
A Saudi official restated the kingdom’s intention to continue its humanitarian support for Syria, such as food, medical supplies, and shelter, rather than financial support for salaries.
The new Syrian government, which HTS has established after it has defeated President Bashar al-Assad’s forces on December 8, promised a 400% increase in public employees’ salaries. The pay rise, which is believed to translate to approximately $120 million per month, impacts over 1.25 million workers in the public sector of Syria. Official confirmation of international funding has not been received from the Syrian ministry of finance, but international commitments of aid have been reported.
Qatar renewed its interest in Syria, coming from a long history of support for the Syrian opposition and more recent diplomatic steps to reconnect with the new government. These measures included reopening its embassy in Damascus and resuming direct flights to Syria through Qatar Airways. With a long-held position against Assad’s regime, Qatar has acted very fast to get involved with the new government to stabilize the country.
Sources on the diplomatic front have indicated that Qatar’s involvement in Syria might mark a shift in regional relations for the new government seeking recognition and stability internationally.
