Will internal and external troubles tremble Assad's political status?
CGTN
Syria has recently experienced agitation at both the elite level and among its population. Despite these developments, it's so far unclear that either of these will be sufficient to destabilize current President Bashar al-Assad. At the same time, while Assad's situation seems presently secure, any changes at elite or mass level could prompt a reappraisal, along with the recent arrival of COVID-19.
That Assad was under threat was suggested by media reports concerning disaffection within the regime. Throughout Syria's war, differences within the leadership were few. Then last month it was reported that Assad had demanded his cousin, Rami Makhlouf, pay back taxes on his extensive business interests and seized a number of his assets.
Assad's move was interpreted as a way to demonstrate who held power in Syria. By taking on Makhlouf, Assad was challenging Syria's wealthiest figure. Even before the war began in 2011, he controlled over half the country's economy through direct and indirect holdings – much of it with the blessing of the political power.
