How the Assads stole Syria’s riches

The Assad family’s rule in Syria has come to an end, but the question now arises: can the new government sustain and even improve the economy for the benefit of ordinary Syrians? Syrian economist Karam Shaar sheds light on the challenges ahead, including navigating sanctions, managing oil resources, and addressing the Assad family’s controversial involvement in the production and distribution of the drug known as “captagon.”

Under the Assad regime, Syria became a major player in the illicit trade of captagon, a potent amphetamine-like drug that has fueled addiction and violence in the region. The family’s involvement in this trade further enriched their coffers, while ordinary Syrians suffered the consequences.

With the Assad era now in the past, hopes are high that a new government can steer Syria towards a more prosperous future. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the conflict to addressing the economic fallout of years of mismanagement and corruption.

As Syria stands at a crossroads, the international community will be closely watching to see how the country’s new leaders handle these complex issues and whether they can bring about much-needed change for the Syrian people. Only time will tell if Syria can overcome the legacy of the Assads and chart a new course towards stability and prosperity.