The Exploitative Legacy of Syria’s Fourth Division and the Assads

The Fourth Division of Syria’s military, led by Maher al-Assad, amassed vast wealth through widespread corruption amid the country’s civil war. While they engaged in numerous illicit activities, impoverished foot soldiers faced dire conditions. Despite sanctions aimed at curtailing their power, they operated independently, contributing to a division within the state that prioritized profit over the welfare of the Syrian people. The toxic legacy of their greed continues to impact the landscape of Syrian society, posing ongoing threats to stability.

The elite Fourth Division of the Syrian military, once under the command of Maher al-Assad, has left a trail of extensive economic exploitation in Syria, as documented in recently retrieved papers. While Maher and his associates enjoyed unimaginable wealth, their foot soldiers struggled to survive, often begging in the streets. Following almost 14 years of civil war, they capitalized on the country’s dire conditions and established a profit-driven ‘mafia’ state, hoarding riches gained through illegal activities and brutal oppression.

The Fourth Division operated on multiple fronts, from commandeering homes and farms to engaging in corrupt practices such as running protection rackets and collecting fees at checkpoints. The division partook in the looting of metals and resources, while simultaneously controlling various trading markets, resulting in extensive illicit profits. Despite this, many soldiers remained impoverished, showcasing the stark disparity within the ranks.

Maher al-Assad’s headquarters, hidden within a network of underground tunnels, symbolized the immense wealth and power concentrated in his control. After the family fled amidst the regime’s collapse, looters discovered multiple abandoned safes, luxury items, and documents revealing the scale of their financial operations, which reportedly included $80 million in cash reserves. Experts indicate that significant portions of their wealth may still lurk overseas in foreign bank accounts.

Sanctions aimed at curbing the Assad family’s economic domination were largely ineffective, as they essentially established an “independent state” within the Syrian government parameters. While the majority of Syrians faced dire poverty, Fourth Division officers amassed vast fortunes, often in U.S. dollars, thriving in their opulent villas while ordinary citizens struggled for basic necessities.

The legacy of the Fourth Division is characterized by greed and brutality, with many of its operatives linked to numerous human rights abuses, including the slaughter of civilians. Although Maher al-Assad was often referred to as “the butcher”, his influence remained pervasive, garnering wealth and resources through nefarious means. This dire portrait of wealth imbalance and oppression extends beyond Maher to others within the division, illustrating a deeply entrenched system of impunity.

Amid the chaos following the regime’s downfall, numerous accounts reveal how families were systematically impoverished, witnessing the seizure of their properties by the Fourth Division. Documents that surfaced highlight desperate pleas from civilians seeking justice and restitution, many of whom continue to face severe economic hardships. The Fourth Division’s actions throughout the years left a toxic legacy that haunts the Syrian populace, potentially fostering violent unrest in the future as unresolved grievances simmer beneath the surface.

Furthermore, the division’s vast wealth may facilitate a resurgence of oppressive forces, warning of the potential for continuing instability in Syria. Experts caution that despite the apparent dismantling of the division’s infrastructure, its core remains intact, suggesting that its influence and financial resources could persist while the dynamics of power shift within the country.

The activities of the Fourth Division expose deep-rooted corruption within Syria’s regime, demonstrating how certain individuals have exploited the ongoing conflict for personal gain. The stark contrast between the wealth amassed by Maher al-Assad’s circle and the suffering of ordinary Syrians highlights the systemic inequalities that the civil war has exacerbated. As the remnants of their operations linger, the potential for future unrest remains a serious concern, rooted in the injustices of the division’s past. The continuation of this legacy poses a threat to genuine political transition and may hinder prospects for inclusive governance and stability in Syria.

Original Source: www.france24.com