U.S. talks cap major turnaround for Syria

Syrian leader Ahmed al-SharaaÕs U.S. visit caps a stunning year for
the rebel-turned-ruler who toppled a longtime autocrat and has since
toured the world as he seeks to end SyriaÕs international isolation

Sharaa (left) Ð SyriaÕs first-ever president to visit
the White House Ð is pushing for full lifting of
remaining sanctions against his country to spur
global investment following 14 years of war

World Bank estimates it will take more than
$200 billion to rebuild Syria

ESTIMATED RECONSTRUCTION COST
(by governorate, $ billions) 

Aleppo
64.3

Rif
Dimashq
46.4

Homs
24.3

Hama
14.8

Idlib
13.5

12.4
Deir
al-Zour

Hasakah
10.2

Raqqa
9.1

Damascus
City
9.0

Daraa
8.5

Latakia
1.4

Quneitra: 0.9

Suwayda
0.5

Tartus: 0.3

IRAQ
ISRAEL
JORDAN
LEBANON
SYRIA
T†RKIYE

100km
60 miles

Sources: Reuters, World Bank
Picture: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS