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Navigating Humanitarian Aid in Syria: Challenges, Complexities, and Paths to Sustainable Solutions

This study explores the role of foreign aid as a soft power tool by providing an understanding of the interrelation between foreign policy and aid. The study is based on interviews with aid experts. The findings of the study unambiguously demonstrate that aid and foreign policy are intertwined since, in most cases, foreign aid falls under the responsibility of foreign ministries. Besides the humanitarian imperative, the geopolitical account has a crucial importance in the decision-making process that cascades down from the general foreign policy agenda. In addition, the strategic interests of the donor country are contributing to the decision-making. The prominent themes are national security, tackling terrorism, preventing immigration influx, and economic goals. The study also demonstrates the extent to which aid can be politicized in its extreme form by focusing on Russian vetoes in the UN Security Council and the Syrian government’s weaponization of aid.

Navigating Humanitarian Aid in Syria Challenges Complexities and Paths to
 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Humanitarian assistance is deeply ingrained in human nature, characterized by spontaneous response to aid those in need. Throughout history, philanthropy has evolved alongside spiritual teachings, fostering acts of benevolence toward others. However, the seemingly altruistic act of providing aid can sometimes be perceived by conflicting parties as taking sides in the struggle.1 For instance, in a scenario where conflict arises between two communities, aid provided to one community may be interpreted as favoritism, thereby placing the aid provider in the crossfire. This underscores the necessity of adhering to fundamental principles such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, established by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Vienna in 1965. These principles serve as the cornerstone of humanitarian action, aiming to shield humanitarian efforts from becoming embroiled in conflicts and ensuring the safety of aid providers. Humanitarian organizations must operate by these principles throughout all stages of aid provision, including fundraising activities. Funding must align with the humanitarian imperative, as such donations can not aim at favoring one party over another.

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