10 months ago
Syria's New Ruler Warns Loyalists Against Corruption and Spoils of War
A new leader in Syria, who used to be a rebel fighter, is trying to clean up the government.
He held a meeting with his supporters and told them they couldn't act like they were stealing from the country.
He noticed many of them drove expensive cars and warned them that if they were getting rich unfairly, they would be investigated.
He wants to make sure his new government is honest and not like the old one, which was very corrupt.
He even told his own brothers to stop using their family name to get ahead in business.
Some people are still paying bribes to get things done, showing that corruption is still a problem.
The president is trying hard to make sure his government serves the people, not just a few well-connected individuals.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has warned loyalists against corruption and acquiring spoils of war.
During a meeting in Idlib, Sharaa criticized supporters for arriving in luxury SUVs and ordered those with such vehicles to hand over keys or face investigation.
The leader aims to establish a legitimate civilian government, preventing corruption and replicating the tactics of the former regime.
Sharaa has also taken action against his own brother, Jamal, for allegedly using family ties to advance personal business interests.
Despite these efforts, reports suggest corruption persists, with instances of bribery for the release of detainees and property.
Syria's Ministry of Information denied that car keys were handed over but confirmed Jamal al-Sharaa's office was closed due to his improper business activities.
- Who
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his loyalists
- What
- President Sharaa warned loyalists against corruption, luxury spending, and exploiting their positions for personal gain, ordering those with luxury cars to hand over keys.
- Where
- The meeting was held at Sharaa's former headquarters in Idlib province, northwestern Syria. Corruption issues are present in Damascus and elsewhere.
- When
- The meeting took place on August 30, with later public statements in October.
- Why
- To pivot from an insurgency to a civilian government without replicating the corruption of the previous regime and to maintain his legitimacy.
President Sharaa's Stance
Reported Realities
Action on Luxury Vehicles
President Sharaa's Stance
President Sharaa ordered civil servants with luxury cars to hand over keys or face investigation for illicit gains, aiming to curb ostentatious displays of wealth.
Reported Realities
Syria's Ministry of Information denied that any car keys were handed over during the meeting.
Family Business Dealings
President Sharaa's Stance
President Sharaa explicitly warned his family against exploiting the family name for personal gain and ordered his brother Jamal's business office shut due to allegations of illicit activities.
Reported Realities
While the information ministry confirmed Jamal al-Sharaa's office was closed and he held no official position, it did not specify any charges or explain the exact nature of his alleged wrongdoing.
Prevalence of Corruption
President Sharaa's Stance
The Ministry of Information stated that corrupt practices are not widespread and those suspected of taking bribes are referred for investigation.
Reported Realities
Interviews with nine Syrian business figures and officials indicate that corruption persists, with reports of bribes being paid for the release of detainees and property, and that two lawyers working for a government fund have been arrested over alleged graft.
Key facts
- Leader
- Ahmed al-Sharaa
- Previous Role
- Al-Qaeda commander
- New Role
- Syrian President
- Meeting Location
- Former rebel headquarters, Idlib province
- Date of Meeting
- August 30
- Key Issue
- Preventing corruption and illicit gains
Quotes
Syria’s Ministry of Information
The official government ministry
“The presidency has clarified since the formation of the government that Jamal al-Sharaa did not hold any official position.”
theprint.in
“He stressed that he would not tolerate any suspicion of corruption among state employees.”
theprint.in
Hossam Jazmati
A Syrian researcher on Islamist groups
“He requires substantial financial resources to sustain his administration — not necessarily for personal gain, but to maintain authority.”
theprint.in
“He’s not a product of a state institution but of a faction. Since 2003, he has operated within a militia environment.”
theprint.in
Ahmed al-Sharaa
Syrian President and former al Qaeda commander
“I didn’t know the salaries the government pays were this high!”
theprint.in
“Have you forgotten you are the sons of the revolution?”
theprint.in
