US document proposes Syria as regional energy corridor
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A US document has outlined a proposal to position Syria as a major transit hub for regional energy routes, amid disruptions affecting global maritime corridors, according to a report published on Thursday.
The document, prepared by US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and reported by Al Majalla magazine, focuses on leveraging Syria’s geographic location to connect Gulf countries and Iraq with Turkey and Europe through land-based corridors that bypass congested maritime routes.
The proposal comes as energy transportation has faced increasing challenges due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and security risks in the Red Sea, prompting interest in alternative overland routes.
According to the document, Syria’s Mediterranean ports, including Baniyas and Tartous, could provide direct access to European markets, while the country’s position offers a strategic land bridge between the Middle East and Europe.
The plan includes a multi-phase program extending to 2030, beginning with rehabilitation of Syria’s oil and gas sector and increasing production, followed by infrastructure development and the establishment of regional export pipelines.
Among the key projects proposed is the revival of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline, along with potential gas projects linking supplies from Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Egypt through Syria toward Turkey and European markets.
In parallel, the document notes domestic economic steps, including efforts to regain control over major oil fields and the signing of memorandums of understanding with international energy companies. It also refers to estimates suggesting the presence of significant untapped gas reserves in the country.
Despite the opportunities, the document highlights major challenges, including political and security risks, a history of unstable pipeline projects in the region, and ongoing international competition over influence in the energy sector.