Jobar, a suburb east of Damascus, stands as a stark reminder of Syria's 13-year war. Ahmad, a former resident, points to his grandfather's dilapidated home, one of many destroyed during years of shelling and air strikes. The neighborhood, once vibrant with a historic mosque and synagogue, is now a ghost town.

Between 2012 and 2018, Jobar was a rebel-held frontline, with about 95% of its buildings destroyed by government forces. After the government recaptured the area in 2018, most residents were forced to leave. Today, the area is riddled with tunnels built by opposition groups, earning it the nickname 'the Bermuda Triangle'.

Former residents like Salem Sawan, 59, want to return but are blocked from rebuilding. Authorities claim there is a plan for the area but provide no details. The tunnel network and lack of infrastructure pose major challenges for reconstruction.

The World Bank estimates Syria needs $216 billion for reconstruction, but the government has limited funds and is courting international investors. A proposed foreign-backed project for Jobar would give locals only 50% of their former homes, sparking anger. The struggle over reconstruction reflects broader tensions about Syria's future.

Despite the obstacles, locals like gravedigger Mahmoud al-Ajouz remain determined: 'We will rebuild with our own hands, us and the state together.' However, the path forward remains uncertain, with many residents unable to return or rebuild.

Source: www.aljazeera.com