How Zaatari Has Developed Its Own Economy
The Jordanian refugee camp of Zaatari has been open since the start of the Syrian conflict. It has a population of 80,000 refugees, many of whom have been living here since 2012 (Hamilton, 2016). Despite having the numbers to match a small town, Zaatari is not fully integrated into the country’s economy. While trade exists between itself and the neighboring cities, the camp itself offers only the most basic of services to its population and those outside (Hamilton, 2016). Major imports include foodstuffs and products for living, while its major export product is a cheap labor force.
Possible Consequences of the Refugee Camp Becoming a Long-Term Solution
There are considerations of the refugee camp becoming a long-term solution. Doing so would require the refugees to receive electricity, water, plumbing, schools, and other services to make life bearable (Bensel et al., 2012). In essence, Zaatari would need to become a city paid for by the Jordanian government as well as those countries whose involvement in Syria led to the civil war.
A Generation of Lost Syrians
Many children in Zaatari have not received an education since arriving at the camp. The conditions of living are dire, and many families spend most of what they have earned on food and water (Hamilton, 2016). These factors leave the children open to being radicalized by terrorist organizations. Being third-class citizens in Jordan for the entirety of their lives would make these individuals look upon their country of occupancy, as well as the collective West, with loathing (Steger, 2009). The potential cost of inaction for the US and Europe is that Zaatari, as well as places like it, would become breeding grounds for all sorts of radical terrorists, with children becoming future tools for violence.
Preventing a Generation of Lost Syrians from Becoming Radicalized
There are only two long-term solutions to prevent radicalization. The first solution is to make them Jordanian citizens, initiate support programs to help them obtain homes and livelihood, and heavily invest in their education and cultural integration (Bensel et al., 2012). The second solution is to help the Syrian government restore full control over their territory, rebuild the country, and assist with the return of refugees home. Most refugees have fled from war, not for political opposition reasons, and will be able to continue their lives just as they have before the war, feeling themselves as citizens of their own country again rather than guests who have overstayed their welcome.
References
Bensel, T., Dale, L., & Maniates, M. (2012). Global socioeconomic perspectives. Bridgepoint Education.
Hamilton, T. B. (2016). Losing identity during the refugee crisis: The difference between assimilation and integration in the classroom. The Atlantic. Web.
Steger, M. B. (2009). Religion and ideology in the global age: Analyzing al Qaeda’s Islamist globalism. New Political Science, 31(4), 529-541. Web.