The United Nations says that after 13 years of war, seven in 10 Syrians need humanitarian aid.

An estimated $500 billion is needed to rebuild their country.

Syria’s new government has spent the past two weeks engaged in diplomatic efforts to persuade Western powers to quickly lift sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

But these governments want to see progress towards inclusive and democratic governance in Syria.

There are growing concerns that the euphoria following Assad’s fall could be replaced by frustration and violence if the process is delayed.

Is the West ready to lift sanctions quickly?

Can Syria’s new rulers make the changes necessary to win the trust of world powers?

host: Neve Barker

Guests:

Ammar Kahf – Executive Director, Omran Center for Strategic Studies

Hind Kabawat – Director of Interfaith Peacebuilding, Carter School of Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University

Fadi Dayoub – Executive Director of Local Development and Small Project Support, Syrian NGO