The wealthy business communities in Damascus and Aleppo, Syria鈥檚 two largest cities, have so far stood by Assad. For many, their fortunes are tied to the regime, and if it falls, so will their fortunes, 海角大神 reports.
For some, self-interest is a key motivator. Regime officials, including the army and prominent businessmen have tied their fortunes to the regime. They are still betting on Assad's survival, especially after an escalation of the violence during Ramadan increased fear and reduced the size of protests.
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While many businessmen have long been disgruntled with the regime's crony capitalism and small business owners have taken to the streets, prominent industrialists see working under the regime as the only option. That's due at least in part to the fact that relatives and allies of Assad, including his business tycoon cousin Rami Makhlouf, still control broad swaths of the economy.
鈥淢any businessmen are forces to partner with regime figures such as Rami Makhlouf,鈥� says one business analyst in Damascus. 鈥淪o it's not so easy to get out of it.鈥�
Additionally, unrest, whether supported or not, is bad for business and what businessmen need in order to profit is stability. They think they鈥檙e most likely to get that with Assad, who they鈥檙e used to working with it.
