Al-Assad's crackdown on war profiteers has ulterior motives

The document also revealed that the listed individuals were targeted due to their involvement in smuggling goods valued at a staggering 16.6bn Syrian pounds, equivalent to approximately $1.8mn. The potential fines associated with this illicit activity reach an astonishing 99.6bn Syrian pounds, underscoring the severity of the offence.

Repairing relations with Iraq

The timing of the decision strongly indicates the regime's intention to bolster its political position in the region, specifically concerning Iraq. All 35 individuals targeted by the decision originate from Deir Ezzor, a governorate located on the Iraq border and known as a prominent hub for trafficking activities, particularly in the realm of drugs.

The decision was also made just shortly before the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad to Iraq, aimed at coordinating efforts to secure the borders and combat trafficking, particularly drugs.

Therefore, it is likely that the decision was employed, among other reasons, to demonstrate the regime's proactive measures in addressing these issues. Doing so is not only important in enhancing the regime's relations with Iraq but also in meeting the regional requirements to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community.

In May, Syria agreed to collaborate with Iraq in combating drug trafficking across their borders, following a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Amman.

Part of greater extortion policy

But achieving political gains does not seem to be the sole motive behind the decision. Since 2019, the regime has been extorting loyalist businessmen and war profiteers in order to sustain its economy.

While Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main supporters, Iran and Russia, have provided significant assistance in helping the regime prevail in the war, they have not been able to sufficiently address the country's economic challenges. As a result, the regime has resorted to unconventional short-term tactics to manage its economic crisis.

Many of Syria's business elites, particularly those who continued to operate during the conflict, have accumulated their wealth, directly or indirectly, through their connections with the regime.

Therefore, al-Assad, who is running out of options, feels entitled to ask them to return the favour. Those who comply and pay their dues are able to continue their business activities as usual.

On the other hand, those who refuse or fail to comply with the demands face repercussions. They are either subjected to verbal threats or face punitive measures such as asset freezing on charges of tax evasion or corruption.

Prominent figures who have experienced such a shakedown include Rami Makhlouf, the president's cousin, as well as Mohammed Hamsho and Wasim Kattan.

It is important to note that these extortion tactics extend beyond high-profile individuals and also target business owners and war profiteers at various levels, both medium and low.

Not a genuine effort to curb smuggling

The regime's lack of genuine interest in enforcing the rule of law is evident in its approach of allowing the targeted individuals to continue operating once they submit.

This incident in question is no exception. According to local sources, the individuals listed in the leaked document have been openly involved in smuggling goods, oil, and drugs between Syria and Iraq for years.

Instead of pursuing legal cases or imprisonment, they are merely required to pay fines. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the assets belonging to the family members of these individuals have remained unfrozen, despite the nature of the violations and the widespread practice of using family members' names to shield assets.

This suggests that the seizure was more of a message than a genuine effort to end their illicit activities.

The evolving dynamics in Syria and the wider region strongly suggest that the regime will increasingly utilise these multifaceted tactics, aiming to hit multiple birds with one stone.

Consequently, policymakers engaged in negotiations with al-Assad, alongside discerning analysts, must fortify themselves against these cunning manoeuvres and persistently probe beneath the surface until the true motives behind the regime's actions are laid bare.