Exclusive: Qatari financing of Syrian salaries gets US go-ahead, sources say
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Introduction:
The news topic “Exclusive: Qatari financing of Syrian salaries gets US go-ahead, sources say” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- The move is likely to make the international institution resume its support to the country. The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion to rebuild Syria. A joint statement said the payment will allow Syria to take allotments from the World Bank in the near future for “vital sectors.” The statement did not elaborate on how the money would be spent. It is the latest in a series of steps taken by the two countries to support the Syrian government since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. The U.N. estimates that the cost of rebuilding the country could be in the region of $1.5 billion. The World Bank says it has no immediate plans to pay the $15 million in back-up loans to Syria, but will consider the matter in the future. The move is expected to be announced in the coming days.
- The plans would be the first known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria. It may also be a sign that crucial Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialize. A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Finance said, “We do not comment on speculation, but make announcements, if and when they become official” Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation’s meager electricity supply.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Syria and Qatar to pay back Syria’s debt to the World Bank
The move is likely to make the international institution resume its support to the country. The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion to rebuild Syria. A joint statement said the payment will allow Syria to take allotments from the World Bank in the near future for “vital sectors.” The statement did not elaborate on how the money would be spent. It is the latest in a series of steps taken by the two countries to support the Syrian government since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. The U.N. estimates that the cost of rebuilding the country could be in the region of $1.5 billion. The World Bank says it has no immediate plans to pay the $15 million in back-up loans to Syria, but will consider the matter in the future. The move is expected to be announced in the coming days. Read full article
Saudi Arabia to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts, paving way for further funding
The plans would be the first known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria. It may also be a sign that crucial Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialize. A spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Finance said, “We do not comment on speculation, but make announcements, if and when they become official” Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation’s meager electricity supply. Read full article
Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts, sources say
Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s debts to the World Bank, three people familiar with the matter said. The plans would pave the way for the approval of millions of dollars in grants for reconstruction and to support the country’s paralysed public sector. It would be the first known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria since Islamist-led rebels toppled former leader Bashar al-Assad last year. It may also be a sign that crucial Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialize after previous plans, including an initiative by Doha to fund salaries, were held up by uncertainty over U.S. sanctions. Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation’s meagre electricity supply, a move that sources told Reuters had Washington’s nod of approval. Read full article
Sources say Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts
Payment would unfreeze grants for reconstruction and public sector. Country is $15m in arrears to bank and must be paid off before grants can be approved. First known instance of Saudi Arabia providing financing for Syria since Islamist-led rebels toppled the country’s former leader, Bashar al-Assad, last year. It may also be a sign that crucial Gulf Arab support for Syria is beginning to materialise after previous plans, including an initiative by the government of Qatar to fund salaries, were held up by uncertainty over US sanctions. Last month, Qatar announced a plan to provide Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation’s meagre electricity supply, a move that sources told Reuters had Washington’s nod of approval. The Saudi Ministry of Finance told Reuters: “We do not comment on speculation, but make announcements, if and when they become official” Read full article
US to warn Lebanon to get tougher on Hezbollah to unlock Gulf cash, sources say
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus is expected to arrive in Beirut on Friday for meetings with Aoun and other Lebanese officials. She will raise concerns that the Lebanese army is “backsliding” against disarming Hezbollah. At the top of the Lebanese officials’ agenda will be asking the US why reconstruction funding from Saudi Arabia that was promised earlier this year has not materialised. Saudi Arabia has been tightening the purse strings on its poorer neighbours for years as it tries to square investments at home with lower oil prices. But in Lebanon, the situation is maul more dire than in the UAE or the UAE, MEE has been told. The US dangled the promise of Saudi cash to Lebanese lawmakers to ensure Aoun, Lebanon’s former commander of the Lebanon Armed Forces, was elected president. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Syria and Qatar to pay back Syria’s debt to the World Bank
- Saudi Arabia to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts, paving way for further funding
- Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts, sources say
- Sources say Saudi Arabia plans to pay off Syria’s World Bank debts
- US to warn Lebanon to get tougher on Hezbollah to unlock Gulf cash, sources say
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatari-financing-syrian-salaries-gets-us-go-ahead-sources-say-2025-05-07/