Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: August 1, 2025
Qatar to expand scheme to boost Syria power supply
Qatar will expand its program to fund deliveries of Azerbaijani gas through Turkey to Syria, raising generating capacity to 800 MW per day to ease chronic power shortages caused by over a decade of conflict (NAMPA).
Insight
By financing gas deliveries, Qatar leverages energy diplomacy to support Syria’s reconstruction and deepen its regional influence; however, effective relief will also require parallel investments in grid repair and security to sustain power availability (Reuters).
Russia Is Committed to Supporting Syria’s Rebuilding, Putin Says
Vladimir Putin said Russia is committed to supporting Syria’s reconstruction during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Moscow, marking a pledge to back post-Assad rebuilding efforts (Bloomberg.com, Reuters).
Insight
Putin’s assurance underscores Russia’s strategic priority of maintaining influence in Syria through reconstruction assistance, military presence and political backing; success may depend on securing stability guarantees and managing international sanctions (Bloomberg.com, Reuters).
