There are currently 4.2 million Iraqi refugees, resulting in a growing humanitarian crisis. The United States is the biggest aid donor. But, experts say aid from the U.S. and other Western nations is not enough to stabilize the largest Middle East refugee crisis since the end of World War II. The United Nations refugee agency reports that 60,000 Iraqis leave their homes every month, and only half remain within the country’s borders
The regions primary host countries, Jordan and Syria, hold more than 2 million refugees and struggle to sustain them. Billions of dollars in aid is needed for the countries to deal with the strain.
Syria, home to more than one fourth of displaced Iraqis, reinstated restrictions on refugees from its neighboring country. Although war affects everyone, Syria will allow only desirable refugees. The country, which now requires visas, welcomes only business people, scientists, and academics.
It seems the Syrian government wants to be seen as a good guy. It initiated the restrictions September 10, but lifted them days later because of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. And, the government continues to work with the UN agency for refugees.
The country is having difficulty coping with a 10% increase in population. Rather than entering refugee camps (there aren’t any), Iraqi immigrants tend to go directly into the poor districts of Damascus.
So, now that Ramadan is coming to an end (October 12) the restrictions have been reinstated.
Many say war knows no limits. But, for Syria, the limit is a matter of class. The government wants to ensure it receives only the best of those seeking refuge from violence.
