The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the announcement issued by the Syrian Petroleum Company on December 28, 2025, regarding the commencement of drilling the first exploratory natural gas well in the Al-Tawani area of rural Damascus, using national personnel and refurbished local equipment.
In the context of the transitional phase that Syria is experiencing after years of conflict and destruction, the Syrian Future Movement views this announcement as a potentially positive sign towards strengthening energy and economic sovereignty. However, it also raises critical points that require careful analysis to ensure that the Syrian people benefit from their natural resources.
While welcoming the reliance on national expertise, the Syrian Future Movement expresses its concern regarding the lack of transparency and independent oversight mechanisms in such projects, especially given the history of corruption and ineffective management that has plagued the Syrian energy sector over the past decades.
Furthermore, the choice of rural Damascus, which is not traditionally a major source of energy resources, raises questions about the feasibility of investing there compared to other gas-rich areas, such as the Euphrates Basin, which requires urgent rehabilitation. Furthermore, the Syrian Future Movement criticizes the hasty timing of the announcement, which may appear to be an attempt to present tangible successes without providing detailed geological studies or comprehensive environmental assessments. This could lead to health and environmental risks for local residents, as has happened previously with pollution resulting from unregulated extraction operations, such as the air pollution from oil flares in the Syrian Jazeera region, which has led to an increase in cancer.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the importance of integrating this project within a comprehensive national energy strategy focused on diversification and sustainability. Exploration must also rely on modern technologies to minimize risks, such as 3D seismic studies and environmentally safe drilling, while leveraging international expertise without compromising sovereignty.
The Syrian Future Movement also calls for linking gas production to green transition goals by allocating a portion of the revenues to renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, to address the chronically unreliable electricity generation needs. We believe that during this transitional phase, the energy sector should be a tool for strengthening national unity through the equitable distribution of revenues across regions, while adhering to the principles of service decentralization advocated by the Movement, to ensure the participation of all Syrians in development.
The Syrian Future Movement proposes the following recommendations, taking into account the circumstances of the transitional phase, which includes rebuilding infrastructure, addressing the challenges posed by international sanctions, and strengthening trust among the various Syrian communities:
- Establish an independent oversight committee comprised of local and international experts to monitor the drilling and production phases, and publish transparent periodic reports for the public.
- Conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment before proceeding, in cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations, to avoid negative impacts on groundwater and agriculture in rural Damascus.
- Allocate a percentage of potential revenues to local development funds, focusing on the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas and supporting youth and women in the energy sector.
- Open the door to balanced international partnerships, such as those with Gulf States or Europe, to secure financing and technology, provided that national control over resources is guaranteed.
- Integrate the project into a transitional economic plan aimed at restoring gas production to pre-2011 levels, while adhering to good governance standards to attract foreign investment.
The Syrian Future Movement aspires to a free and prosperous Syria, where its natural resources are a source of strength for all, not a tool for exploitation. We call for the establishment of a unified, pluralistic state that guarantees the rights of all and achieves sustainable development. We also pledge to our people that we will remain committed to our role in supporting sincere national efforts, while defending the principles of transparency and justice, to build a future worthy of the sacrifices of the Syrian people.
