Syria's al-Shara removes brother from key post amid concerns over nepotism
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara has removed his elder brother Maher from a key state position, according to official media. Maher was Secretary-General of the Presidency, a role akin to chief of staff, which had drawn criticism for mirroring nepotism from the previous Assad era. The move appears aimed at curbing perceptions of undue influence and fostering a transition to pluralism. Another brother, Hazem, was also reportedly removed from a shadow body. Despite these changes, analysts note that power in Syria remains structured in tiers, with a small hard nucleus including the president and his closest associates retaining decision-making authority. The country faces ongoing economic challenges, with the Syrian pound trading weakly and reconstruction largely stalled, even as the administration seeks restored ties with the US.
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