6. The Real Godfather: Assad’s Syrian Mafia (Ep 1)
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Dec 18, 2024
Explore the chilling rise of Bashar al-Assad and the parallels to organized crime, as his regime mirrors the tale of 'The Godfather.' Delve into the brutal assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and the power struggles that marked early 2000s Syria and Lebanon. Discover Assad's transformation from eye doctor to feared authoritarian, navigating betrayal and loyalty within his family arrayed against a backdrop of political intrigue and regional instability.
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Assad's Mafia State
Bashar al-Assad's regime mirrored a mafia state, controlling Lebanon like a cash cow.
The assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri reveals Assad's ruthlessness.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hariri: Mr. Lebanon
Rafiq Hariri, nicknamed "Mr. Lebanon," was a charismatic, self-made billionaire and Prime Minister.
Hariri and Assad disliked each other from their first meeting, highlighting their conflicting visions for Lebanon.
insights INSIGHT
Hariri's Western Ties
Hariri projected a pro-Western image for Lebanon, creating tension with Assad and other Arab leaders.
Assad felt threatened by Hariri's independent stance and Western connections, fueling resentment.
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The Assassination of Rafik Hariri and Its Impact on the Middle East
NICHOLAS BLANFORD
Nicholas Blanford
On Valentine's Day 2005, former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri was killed by a massive explosion in Beirut. This book by Nicholas Blanford examines how Hariri's murder provoked a seismic shift in Middle Eastern politics. It delves into Hariri's past, his influence on Lebanon, and the murky world of alliances between businesses, security services, politicians, and diplomats. Based on exclusive interviews, Blanford traces the last weeks of Hariri's life and reveals who stood to gain from his death. The book also explores the impact of the assassination on Hizbullah, Syria, and Israel, and how it led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon after nearly thirty years of occupation[1][3][4].
Damascus Station
David McCloskey
Damascus Station is a gritty and realistic espionage novel written by former CIA analyst David McCloskey. The story takes place in the midst of the Syrian Civil War and follows CIA case officer Sam Joseph, who is tasked with recruiting Mariam Haddad, a disaffected government official. Despite breaking protocol by falling in love with Mariam, Sam must navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of Syria, where paranoia, corruption, and civil war are rampant. The novel incorporates real-life events and detailed descriptions of spy craft, providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters and the geopolitical context. It explores themes of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of one of the most challenging CIA assignments[2][4][6].
How did Bashar al-Assad become one of the Middle East’s most feared dictators? What role did Hezbollah play in the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister in 2005? And how did Assad’s rise to ultimate power mirror the ascent of Michael Corleone in the Godfather?
As the new millennium dawned, Bashar al-Assad prepared to step into his father’s shoes as the next authoritarian president of Syria. While he enjoyed a smooth ascension to the top job, trouble was brewing over the border in Lebanon as the Lebanese Prime Minister sought to escape the debilitating control of its Syrian master. What follows is a story straight out of the Godfather canon with a mafiosi state fighting for ultimate power and a network of spies working to neutralise opposing gangs.
Listen as Gordon Corera and David McCloskey discuss the Syrian plot to assassinate the Lebanese Prime Minister at the turn of the 21st century.
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