Assad’s Not-So-Secret Weapon – Captagon
Under the reign of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian regime has successfully turned to a highly addictive and powerful stimulant for a unique advantage in territorial negotiations. Captagon, the banned amphetamine, has become an indispensable tool in regaining control over pivotal regions and swaying the loyalties of tribal leaders in the ongoing Syrian conflict.
The Magic White Pill
Captagon, a brand name for the synthetic stimulant fenethylline, was initially prescribed for attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy in the 1960s. However, it was outlawed in most countries by the 1980s due its highly addictive properties. Nowadays, the little white pill has found its way into the hands of insurgents, warlords, and soldiers in the Syrian war, providing them with an increased ability to fight and heightened energy levels.
Securing Loyalties in the Battlefield
Market analysts suggest that the trafficking and distribution of Captagon pills have become essential revenue sources for pro-Assad factions. By supplying these pills to militant groups and heavily armed warlords, Assad’s regime has flourished, with tribal leaders becoming increasingly loyal in exchange for the stimulant. The reliance on Captagon has strengthened their bonds to the regime, granting Assad a strong advantage in territorial negotiations.
Winning Over Arab States
As the Syrian conflict and the proliferation of Captagon continue, neighboring Arab states have taken notice and are quietly making use of the little white pill as well. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are reportedly secretly cooperating with Assad in an attempt to protect their interests in the increasingly chaotic region. With Assad’s forces now becoming a significant supplier of Captagon in the region, these Arab states find themselves having to forge alliances and garner support from the controversial Syrian leader to gain access to the much-needed resource.
Global Outcry and Task Ahead
As the demand for Captagon and its link to the Syrian conflict continue to escalate, the global community is calling for measures to end the proliferation and usage of these illicit drugs. Human rights advocates are urging governments for immediate intervention, arguing that Captagon, directly or indirectly, is exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
Despite the controversies around Captagon and its widespread abuse, Syria’s Assad has, for now, solidified his position among Arab states and the immediate region. However, it remains to be seen if the reliance on a banned and extremely addictive stimulant will sustain the fragile balance of power created by the troubled Syrian regime.
Tags: Captagon, Syria
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