Syrians Abroad: The Future of Refugees and Their Return Home

The return of Syrian refugees has been a key topic in several forums and policy discussions over the last few years. Yet, the prospects for their return remain grim. The chapter is intended as a stimulus to further examination of an analytical debate, and offers a range of views on the argument that conditions in Syria are still not ripe for return. The chapter addresses Russia’s refugees policies, the security situation on the ground, the current legislation on property and restitution in Syria, the disrupted social capital in Syria and the current infeasibility of what is called ‘safe, voluntarily and dignified’ return. It also argues that policy discussions should not help to normalise particular narratives concerning return