The Complexities of Middle Eastern Development and Oligarchy in Syria

Understanding the economic and political landscape of the Middle East is crucial for any analysis of development challenges in the region. The Middle East, often depicted as underdeveloped, is a tapestry of diverse economic and political dynamics. European nations have long maintained significant influence through support of unrest, sponsorship of wars, and corrupt regimes, primarily to secure smooth access to petroleum. This article delves into the factors hindering development, the role of governance in the region, and the internal dynamics that shape economic challenges, using the case of Syria's Jaber brothers as an illustrative example.

Russian Influence and the Diversity of Development

Despite historical economic challenges, certain states in the Middle East have managed to achieve significant levels of development. Take, for example, Israel, a Middle Eastern nation on the path to development, and neighboring Jordan, which has shown remarkable progress. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, and a substantial part of Iran, exhibit varying degrees of development. Turkey, which straddles both the Middle East and Europe, demonstrates noteworthy development levels, influenced by its geopolitical positioning. The narrative of the Middle East is not uniformly bleak; it showcases a spectrum of diverse economic profiles.

The Legacy of European Influences

The history of the Middle East reveals the enduring impacts of European colonial and post-colonial interventions. The British invasion of Turkey in 1915 paved the way for European control over the region. This led to the infamous British collaboration with France, who together orchestrated the Balfour Declaration and the Sykes-Picot Agreement, setting the stage for instability in the region. Their extraction of resources, particularly oil, and their manipulation of local power structures, such as by supporting corrupt regimes and sponsoring conflicts, have perpetuated the region's underdevelopment.

The Challenges of Governance and Oligarchic Structures

While external factors have played a significant role, poor governance and oligarchic structures are also key drivers of underdevelopment in the Middle East. Corruption and incompetence are commonplace among nearly all Arab regimes, often manifesting in the neglect of public services and lack of productive investment. This is contrasted by the lavish opulence enjoyed by ruling families, with presidential or royal palaces and fleets of luxury vehicles as common sights.

The Rise and Fall of the Jaber Brothers: A Study in Oligarchy

The tale of the Jaber brothers, Syrian oligarchs with significant influence, provides a stark illustration of the power dynamics in the region. Born into poverty in Alawite strongholds, the Jaber brothers Ayman and Mohamed rose to wealth through oil smuggling, forming alliances with the ruling Baathist regime. Their business acumen and connections led to their integration into the Syrian state apparatus, allowing them to form the Desert Hawks, a personal militia that outperformed the Syrian army during the Syrian conflict.

However, their rise to power was ultimately met with downfall due to their overreach and confrontation with Bashar Al-Assad. Ayman, stripped of his wealth and imprisoned, is currently in Syria, while Mohamed went into exile in Russia, demonstrating the volatility of power in the region. Despite their loss, the Jaber brothers retain significant support, highlighting the complex interplay of loyalty, economic influence, and political power in Syria.

Lessons from Oligarchic Structures in the Arab World

The Syrian example underscores the commonality of oligarchic structures across the Arab world. Arab countries are often portrayed as dictatorships, but in reality, they are governed by numerous oligarchs, each with regionally or industrially focused spheres of influence. These oligarchs, though influential, are often less powerful than the state apparatus, leading to a complex political landscape where decisions and resources can be manipulated in various ways.

The Impact of Smuggling and Sanctions

The Jaber brothers' success was also rooted in their role as smugglers during periods of sanctions and isolation. Their business acumen enabled them to navigate the murky waters of illegal trade, forming alliances with Iran and Iraq. Despite their wealth, their oligarchic influence was ultimately curtailed by the actions of the state, illustrating the fragility of such power structures in the face of political and social change.

Conclusion

The Middle East's development challenges are multifaceted, influenced by both external and internal factors. Poor governance, oligarchic structures, and the control of natural resources have hindered progress. The Jaber brothers' rise and fall in Syria serve as a microcosm of these broader issues, highlighting the complex interplay of power, politics, and economics in the region. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing effective strategies to support sustainable development and stability in the Middle East.