LUGARIT
@lugarit.com
A small think tank active in international development.
www.lugarit.com
www.lugarit.com
1 year after National #Dialogue in #Syria, its #economic outputs remain unpublished—widening the gap between participatory debate vs #policy. #LUGARIT revisits the Dialogue’s diagnoses, recovery priorities, unresolved trade-offs, & transparency needed for #EconomicGrowth
link.lugarit.com/nLXr
link.lugarit.com/nLXr
After Sanctions: Revisiting the Economic Outputs of Syria’s National Dialogue
Paper
link.lugarit.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:40 AM
1 year after National #Dialogue in #Syria, its #economic outputs remain unpublished—widening the gap between participatory debate vs #policy. #LUGARIT revisits the Dialogue’s diagnoses, recovery priorities, unresolved trade-offs, & transparency needed for #EconomicGrowth
link.lugarit.com/nLXr
link.lugarit.com/nLXr
In #America – #China rivalry, #Syria serves as a revealing test case. #LUGARIT paper prepared for Issam Fares Institute (IFI) shows how #TradeCorridors, alliances, & #BeltandRoad dynamics - anchored by #SaudiArabia & #Turkey - shape great power strategy in the #MiddleEast
link.lugarit.com/u15p
link.lugarit.com/u15p
Syria at the Margins of the Belt-and-Road Rivalry
Paper
link.lugarit.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:27 AM
In #America – #China rivalry, #Syria serves as a revealing test case. #LUGARIT paper prepared for Issam Fares Institute (IFI) shows how #TradeCorridors, alliances, & #BeltandRoad dynamics - anchored by #SaudiArabia & #Turkey - shape great power strategy in the #MiddleEast
link.lugarit.com/u15p
link.lugarit.com/u15p
#Civil service #reform in #Syria is not a technical fix. Without agreement on the role of the state & an inclusive #SocialContract, contractualization of public sector jobs risks undermining stability, legitimacy, & institutional continuity at a critical transitional moment
link.lugarit.com/C2mR
link.lugarit.com/C2mR
Civil Service Reform Without a Social Contract?
Paper
link.lugarit.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:55 AM
#Civil service #reform in #Syria is not a technical fix. Without agreement on the role of the state & an inclusive #SocialContract, contractualization of public sector jobs risks undermining stability, legitimacy, & institutional continuity at a critical transitional moment
link.lugarit.com/C2mR
link.lugarit.com/C2mR
Every #investment in #Syria carries a trade-off. Without prioritization, scarce resources risk fueling elite capture and low-impact projects. Opportunity-cost thinking, discounting, and ethical valuation can help align capital with #PublicValue.
link.lugarit.com/NezX
link.lugarit.com/NezX
Investing Wisely: Converting Capital into Public Value in Syria
Paper
link.lugarit.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Every #investment in #Syria carries a trade-off. Without prioritization, scarce resources risk fueling elite capture and low-impact projects. Opportunity-cost thinking, discounting, and ethical valuation can help align capital with #PublicValue.
link.lugarit.com/NezX
link.lugarit.com/NezX
Recovery in #Syria after #Sanctions is not built on relief alone. Drawing on Türkiye’s experience, this case study shows how #export capacity— built through #governance, smart incentives, SME support, & rule-based protectionism—drives competitiveness & resilience
link.lugarit.com/IiQc
link.lugarit.com/IiQc
Protecting National Products and Promoting Exports: Lessons from Türkiye
Case Study
link.lugarit.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:45 AM
Recovery in #Syria after #Sanctions is not built on relief alone. Drawing on Türkiye’s experience, this case study shows how #export capacity— built through #governance, smart incentives, SME support, & rule-based protectionism—drives competitiveness & resilience
link.lugarit.com/IiQc
link.lugarit.com/IiQc
Financing recovery in Syria is ultimately a question of governance. How authority, accountability, and center–local relations are managed will shape whether emerging local initiatives lead to decentralization or reproduce new forms of patronage.
link.lugarit.com/uCAB
link.lugarit.com/uCAB
Financing Recovery in Syria: Between the Center and Localities
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
December 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Financing recovery in Syria is ultimately a question of governance. How authority, accountability, and center–local relations are managed will shape whether emerging local initiatives lead to decentralization or reproduce new forms of patronage.
link.lugarit.com/uCAB
link.lugarit.com/uCAB
#Women in conflict are often visible yet powerless - token seats, checklist projects, and siloed aid fail to deliver real change. #LUGARIT calls for grassroots networks, cross-cutting strategies, and recognition of women’s informal leadership to make #WPS transformative
link.lugarit.com/sEl7
link.lugarit.com/sEl7
When Norms Fall Short: The WPS Agenda and the Realities of Conflict
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
October 1, 2025 at 5:14 AM
#Women in conflict are often visible yet powerless - token seats, checklist projects, and siloed aid fail to deliver real change. #LUGARIT calls for grassroots networks, cross-cutting strategies, and recognition of women’s informal leadership to make #WPS transformative
link.lugarit.com/sEl7
link.lugarit.com/sEl7
Recovery in #Syria demands more than capital inflows! It needs a shared definition of #PublicValue. #LUGARIT explores how national frameworks can ensure #investment build resilience, equity, and trust, not just infrastructure or profit.
link.lugarit.com/GF0A
link.lugarit.com/GF0A
From Inputs to Impact: Aligning Investment with Public Good in Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Recovery in #Syria demands more than capital inflows! It needs a shared definition of #PublicValue. #LUGARIT explores how national frameworks can ensure #investment build resilience, equity, and trust, not just infrastructure or profit.
link.lugarit.com/GF0A
link.lugarit.com/GF0A
The transition in #Syria offers a rare opportunity to build an independent, #inclusive #media sector. Through #reforms & #cooperation, media can become a driver of #SocialCohesion, #NationalReconciliation, & #TransitionalJustice —foundations for #peace & #democracy
link.lugarit.com/FL01
link.lugarit.com/FL01
Rebuilding the Fourth Estate: Towards Media Freedom and Reform in Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:53 AM
The transition in #Syria offers a rare opportunity to build an independent, #inclusive #media sector. Through #reforms & #cooperation, media can become a driver of #SocialCohesion, #NationalReconciliation, & #TransitionalJustice —foundations for #peace & #democracy
link.lugarit.com/FL01
link.lugarit.com/FL01
#Decentralization remains central to the debate on the future of #Syria. In an interview, Zedoun Al Zoubi – a Director at #LUGARIT - argues that genuine dialogue & inclusive #governance - not central dominance - are essential to preserving unity & enabling recovery
link.lugarit.com/pxaJ
link.lugarit.com/pxaJ
Decentralization and Dialogue: Pathways for Syria’s Recovery
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:15 AM
#Decentralization remains central to the debate on the future of #Syria. In an interview, Zedoun Al Zoubi – a Director at #LUGARIT - argues that genuine dialogue & inclusive #governance - not central dominance - are essential to preserving unity & enabling recovery
link.lugarit.com/pxaJ
link.lugarit.com/pxaJ
Skyscrapers & mega-projects won’t fix the #HousingCrisis in #Syria. They serve elites, inflate prices, & take years—while millions need homes now. Real recovery means self-help housing, local finance, empowered municipalities, & secure property, land, & tenure rights
link.lugarit.com/glXU
link.lugarit.com/glXU
Illusions of Reconstruction and Syria’s Housing Crisis
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 11, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Skyscrapers & mega-projects won’t fix the #HousingCrisis in #Syria. They serve elites, inflate prices, & take years—while millions need homes now. Real recovery means self-help housing, local finance, empowered municipalities, & secure property, land, & tenure rights
link.lugarit.com/glXU
link.lugarit.com/glXU
#Reconstruction in #Syria cannot be reduced to luxury projects. Without safeguarding formal & informal property & tenure rights & addressing real housing needs, recovery risks deepening exclusion. Sustainable return starts with dignity & justice
link.lugarit.com/UGVL
link.lugarit.com/UGVL
Reconstruction Without Rights? Lessons from Wadi al-Joz
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:52 AM
#Reconstruction in #Syria cannot be reduced to luxury projects. Without safeguarding formal & informal property & tenure rights & addressing real housing needs, recovery risks deepening exclusion. Sustainable return starts with dignity & justice
link.lugarit.com/UGVL
link.lugarit.com/UGVL
#Reconstruction in #Syria cannot be measured in billions alone. In an interview with Al Jazeera English ( @aljazeera.com ), Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj – A Partner at #LUGARIT - reflects on why local solutions & #governance #reforms matter more than grand #investment pledges.
link.lugarit.com/nAiF
link.lugarit.com/nAiF
Rebuilding from Within: Local Solutions over Grand Pledges
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:35 AM
#Reconstruction in #Syria cannot be measured in billions alone. In an interview with Al Jazeera English ( @aljazeera.com ), Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj – A Partner at #LUGARIT - reflects on why local solutions & #governance #reforms matter more than grand #investment pledges.
link.lugarit.com/nAiF
link.lugarit.com/nAiF
#Decentralization can strengthen unity in #Syria by improving services, empowering #LocalGovernance, & bridging divides between visions. Sequencing reforms & dialogue are key to building trust & stability. Watch the interview with Zedoun Al Zoubi on Al-Ḍād to learn more 📺
link.lugarit.com/e3yw
link.lugarit.com/e3yw
Decentralization as a Bridge Between Divides in Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:09 AM
#Decentralization can strengthen unity in #Syria by improving services, empowering #LocalGovernance, & bridging divides between visions. Sequencing reforms & dialogue are key to building trust & stability. Watch the interview with Zedoun Al Zoubi on Al-Ḍād to learn more 📺
link.lugarit.com/e3yw
link.lugarit.com/e3yw
#Reconstruction in #Syria is not just bricks and mortar—it is about #governance & #justice. In a new interview, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj reflects on Syria’s #urban #history since the mid-20th century & unpacks the challenges & choices facing recovery today.
link.lugarit.com/oZgz
link.lugarit.com/oZgz
Syria’s Reconstruction Dilemma: Who Governs The Cities, Who Decides Their Fate?
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
September 3, 2025 at 5:44 AM
#Reconstruction in #Syria is not just bricks and mortar—it is about #governance & #justice. In a new interview, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj reflects on Syria’s #urban #history since the mid-20th century & unpacks the challenges & choices facing recovery today.
link.lugarit.com/oZgz
link.lugarit.com/oZgz
Rushing into #elections after #conflict can entrench division, not heal it. Drawing lessons from #Libya, this piece from #LUGARIT warns that #Syria’s fragmented institutions and exclusionary frameworks risk repeating the same mistakes, unless reforms come first
link.lugarit.com/DXzG
link.lugarit.com/DXzG
Ballots Before Peace? Libya’s Cautionary Tale and the Syrian Dilemma
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
August 29, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Rushing into #elections after #conflict can entrench division, not heal it. Drawing lessons from #Libya, this piece from #LUGARIT warns that #Syria’s fragmented institutions and exclusionary frameworks risk repeating the same mistakes, unless reforms come first
link.lugarit.com/DXzG
link.lugarit.com/DXzG
#Reconstruction without #environmental safeguards risks deepening injustice & instability. #Recovery in #Syria must treat environmental protection as a shared moral & economic responsibility - embedded in policy, investment, & public culture from the start. Read @ #LUGARIT 👇
link.lugarit.com/PBvW
link.lugarit.com/PBvW
Rebuilding Syria on Brittle Ground: Why Environmental Justice Cannot Wait
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:48 AM
#Reconstruction without #environmental safeguards risks deepening injustice & instability. #Recovery in #Syria must treat environmental protection as a shared moral & economic responsibility - embedded in policy, investment, & public culture from the start. Read @ #LUGARIT 👇
link.lugarit.com/PBvW
link.lugarit.com/PBvW
Blanket incentives won’t deliver just recovery. #LUGARIT calls for a targeted investment strategy, stronger local governance, and transparency to prevent elite capture. Lessons from #Iraq and #Lebanon show why #Syria must rethink how capital serves public good.
link.lugarit.com/UaX5
link.lugarit.com/UaX5
Investment Without Illusion: Toward a Fair Path for Syria’s Recovery
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Blanket incentives won’t deliver just recovery. #LUGARIT calls for a targeted investment strategy, stronger local governance, and transparency to prevent elite capture. Lessons from #Iraq and #Lebanon show why #Syria must rethink how capital serves public good.
link.lugarit.com/UaX5
link.lugarit.com/UaX5
As #Syria turns the page on authoritarian rule, the real challenge lies ahead: building legitimacy through plural narratives, civic dialogue, & forward-looking justice—not new monopolies on truth. #Reconciliation starts by listening to all voices. #LUGARIT
link.lugarit.com/FknK
link.lugarit.com/FknK
The Stories Yet to Be Told: Justice and Reconciliation in the New Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
June 4, 2025 at 5:12 AM
As #Syria turns the page on authoritarian rule, the real challenge lies ahead: building legitimacy through plural narratives, civic dialogue, & forward-looking justice—not new monopolies on truth. #Reconciliation starts by listening to all voices. #LUGARIT
link.lugarit.com/FknK
link.lugarit.com/FknK
We share 5th article in a series on #conflict #analysis in #Iraq by Dr. Esther Meininghaus, part of #LUGARIT network. It examines how exclusion and political marginalization shape daily life in Batnāyya—and why residents see secular governance as essential to peace.
link.lugarit.com/Hh71
link.lugarit.com/Hh71
Walls Within: Segregation and Isolation in Batnāyya
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
May 27, 2025 at 7:13 AM
We share 5th article in a series on #conflict #analysis in #Iraq by Dr. Esther Meininghaus, part of #LUGARIT network. It examines how exclusion and political marginalization shape daily life in Batnāyya—and why residents see secular governance as essential to peace.
link.lugarit.com/Hh71
link.lugarit.com/Hh71
Can triangular #diplomacy and political alliances bring stability to a fractured region—or is it just a way for bigger powers to manage rivalries while smaller states stay stuck in #conflict? #LUGARIT take a sharp look at the #geopolitics shaping the #MiddleEast today.
link.lugarit.com/oh7O
link.lugarit.com/oh7O
Beyond the Primakov Triangles: Any Chance for Deconfliction in the Middle East?
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
May 26, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Can triangular #diplomacy and political alliances bring stability to a fractured region—or is it just a way for bigger powers to manage rivalries while smaller states stay stuck in #conflict? #LUGARIT take a sharp look at the #geopolitics shaping the #MiddleEast today.
link.lugarit.com/oh7O
link.lugarit.com/oh7O
#Syria reunification depends on inclusive #LocalGovernance—not a return to centralization. A brief, by SALAR International & #LUGARIT, argues for pragmatic interpretation of Decree 107 as a pathway to bridge fragmented governance, & foster a resilient transition
link.lugarit.com/HeiX
link.lugarit.com/HeiX
Local Administration in Transition: Towards Inclusive and Accountable Local Governance in Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
May 20, 2025 at 6:04 AM
#Syria reunification depends on inclusive #LocalGovernance—not a return to centralization. A brief, by SALAR International & #LUGARIT, argues for pragmatic interpretation of Decree 107 as a pathway to bridge fragmented governance, & foster a resilient transition
link.lugarit.com/HeiX
link.lugarit.com/HeiX
The new Constitutional Declaration in #Syria leaves out more than it includes. #LUGARIT latest article explores 6 critical omissions that risk derailing the country’s political transition. What’s missing—and why it matters. Learn more 👇
link.lugarit.com/qtoe
link.lugarit.com/qtoe
The Perils of Omission: What Syria’s Constitutional Declaration Fails to Say
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:04 AM
The new Constitutional Declaration in #Syria leaves out more than it includes. #LUGARIT latest article explores 6 critical omissions that risk derailing the country’s political transition. What’s missing—and why it matters. Learn more 👇
link.lugarit.com/qtoe
link.lugarit.com/qtoe
#CivilPeace in #Syria can't be built on slogans. #LUGARIT latest article outlines 6 principles to help Syrians move beyond #sectarianism and division—toward #justice, inclusion, and a shared future. A starting point for real #dialogue, not a final word.
link.lugarit.com/Dhz8
link.lugarit.com/Dhz8
Beyond Slogans: Six Principles for Civil Peace in Syria
Commentary
link.lugarit.com
May 1, 2025 at 5:42 AM
#CivilPeace in #Syria can't be built on slogans. #LUGARIT latest article outlines 6 principles to help Syrians move beyond #sectarianism and division—toward #justice, inclusion, and a shared future. A starting point for real #dialogue, not a final word.
link.lugarit.com/Dhz8
link.lugarit.com/Dhz8
The future in #Syria depends on more than a new center, it needs empowered local #governance & enabled local institutions. #LUGARIT latest paper - prepared for Omran Center for Strategic Studies - explores why recovery requires dismantling authoritarian centralism.
link.lugarit.com/Klvn
link.lugarit.com/Klvn
Beyond Centralized Power: Multilevel Governance for Syria
Publication
link.lugarit.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:44 AM
The future in #Syria depends on more than a new center, it needs empowered local #governance & enabled local institutions. #LUGARIT latest paper - prepared for Omran Center for Strategic Studies - explores why recovery requires dismantling authoritarian centralism.
link.lugarit.com/Klvn
link.lugarit.com/Klvn