Makhlouf’s Messages Pose Questions About Russian Position in Syria

Arab World

May 7th, 8:10am

London- Ibrahim Hamidi

Makhlouf’s Messages Pose Questions About Russian Position in Syria

The television debut of Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, included a lot of political, economic and social symbolism and raised questions in Damascus about the Russian position. Makhlouf's appearance in two 25-minute video recordings does not deviate from the context of his declared and tacit role over the past 25 years. Makhlouf’s economic empire was built in the late 90s. Makhlouf is more than just a mere name, he is a shadow ruler of the country’s black markets, a key financial pillar of its flailing economy, and has been the target of immense pressure from a government crackdown on corruption. He was never a fan of making public appearances, but that suddenly changed for Makhlouf and he made his televised talk as a champion of the poor calling on the head of Syria’s regime to intervene and save those who were loyal from “others,” in reference to businessmen and figures belonging to the ruling narrow circles whom he criticized for their roles over the past years. His appearance came after developments that began last August, when Assad took strict measures to dismantle Makhlouf's companies and his economic, charitable, political, and military networks. Assad took crackdowns on Makhlouf's networks and companies to another level. This included dissolving Al-Bustan Association’s military wing. Soldiers on Al-Bustan’s payroll used to receive a salary of $350, more than double what a regular army soldier is paid. At the time, it was said that the Al-Bustan Association can continue to do charitable work. The association, for its part, announced that it will continue to be a part of the people and will lend a helping hand to every needy person, as a substitute for government agencies. Remarkably, Makhlouf’s appearance coincided with the blowing of harsh media winds against Damascus from Moscow, where Rami's father and brother reside. A campaign has been waged by the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian media leaked information about economic conflict raging in Syria between Russian companies and others backed by Iran. Russian companies and organizations, some of which belong to the Wagner Group, complained of the lack of financial returns compared to Russia’s military intervention spending. While Russian research sites and experts affiliated with the Foreign Ministry stuck to defending Assad as the legitimate president of the country, other centers close to the Wagner Group continued to criticize Assad.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2271866/makhlouf%E2%80%99s-messages-pose-questions-about-russian-position-syria