Russian Financial Support for Assad's Regime
Recent reports from international media highlight the intricate web of financial corruption and crimes during the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Notably, the Financial Times disclosed that between 2018 and 2019, the Assad regime transferred an astonishing $250 million to Moscow, despite facing a dire shortage of foreign currency. This significant financial support underscores the deep-rooted alliance between Syria and Russia, which has provided crucial military backing to the regime.
Drug Manufacturing and Human Rights Violations
In a shocking revelation, The Times reported the discovery of one of the largest drug factories located in Douma, generating an estimated $5 billion annually for the Assad regime. This facility was reportedly under the protection of the Fourth Division, led by Maher al-Assad, and contained 60 tons of narcotic pills ready for smuggling. Furthermore, Newsweek highlighted the grim discovery of a mass grave in the Tadamon neighborhood of Damascus, linked to the notorious 2013 massacre. Local testimonies describe the area as “Execution Street,” where regime forces coerced citizens into digging graves, illustrating the ongoing human rights abuses in the region.
Calls for International Action
In light of these developments, The Guardian urged Western nations to extend a hand of friendship towards Syria, emphasizing the need for genuine change after years of international inaction. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported on the devastating impact of the recent Israeli war on Gaza, described by Airwars as the most destructive conflict of the century, raising concerns about the long-term implications of such violence. In a related note, Haaretz suggested that the Israeli government aims to maintain control over Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank for generations, amid growing public silence or approval in Israel regarding these actions. Additionally, the New York Times reported on Israel's decision to close its embassy in Dublin, citing perceived hostility from Ireland, which reflects a shift towards more aggressive diplomatic strategies in response to increasing global criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.
