arabic.euronews.com
Syria's Secret Cash Transfers to Moscow Amidst Russian Troop Withdrawal
The Central Bank of Syria secretly transferred nearly two tons of cash to Moscow between March 2018 and September 2019, depositing the funds in a bank controlled by a sanctioned Russian arms exporter, raising concerns about the Assad regime's efforts to protect its wealth and illicit gains amid a severe foreign currency shortage in Syria, coinciding with a reported partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Damascus.
- What is the significance of the Syrian Central Bank's secret transfer of nearly two tons of cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019?
- Between March 2018 and September 2019, the Central Bank of Syria secretly transported nearly two tons of cash, including US dollars and Euros, to Moscow's Vnukovo airport. One flight on May 13, 2019, carried \$10 million, while February 2019 saw approximately \$20 million in Euros transferred. This contradicts the absence of such transfers since the 2011 civil war, highlighting the significance of this period.
- How does the Assad regime's use of a complex network of companies and loan arrangements to acquire luxury apartments in Moscow relate to the secretive cash transfers?
- These funds, deposited in the Russian Financial Corporation (RFK) bank in Moscow—a bank controlled by the sanctioned Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport—represent a covert operation to protect the Assad family's wealth and the regime's illicit gains amid Syria's severe foreign currency shortage. This strategy involved a complex network of companies and loan arrangements, including the purchase of at least 20 luxury apartments in Moscow since 2013.
- What are the potential implications of the reported partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Damascus and the ongoing discussions regarding further troop reductions for the future of the Assad regime and the Syrian conflict?
- The reported partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Damascus to Khmeimim airbase, coupled with the secretive cash transfers, suggests a potential shift in Russian support for the Assad regime. This could indicate a strategic reassessment by Russia, potentially influenced by external pressures or shifting geopolitical priorities, impacting the long-term stability of the Syrian regime.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs emphasize the secretive nature of the flights and the alleged illicit activities of the Syrian regime. The article frames the transfer of funds as inherently suspicious, prioritizing accusations of money laundering and protecting ill-gotten gains over other possible interpretations. The sequencing of information, placing the accusations prominently before any potential counterarguments or alternative explanations, further reinforces this biased framing.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "secret flights," "illicit activities," and "ill-gotten gains." These terms carry strong negative connotations and pre-judge the nature of the transactions. More neutral alternatives would include "undisclosed flights," "financial transfers," and "assets." The repeated use of phrases like "protection of the family's wealth" further reinforces a negative portrayal.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the alleged transfer of funds by the Syrian central bank to Russia, potentially omitting other financial activities or economic factors that could provide a more complete picture. It also doesn't explore potential legitimate reasons for these transfers, focusing primarily on the alleged illicit nature. The article mentions the purchase of luxury apartments in Moscow by Assad's family but does not detail the sources of funds used for these purchases prior to 2018. Finally, while the article mentions Russian troop withdrawals, it lacks specific numbers on the total number of troops currently deployed, or details about the ongoing geopolitical situation impacting this withdrawal.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a dichotomy between the Assad regime's actions as solely illicit and the implication that all the money transferred was for illegal purposes. It doesn't explore the possibility of legitimate financial transactions or alternative explanations for the transfers, oversimplifying a complex financial situation.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on the actions of the Assad regime and its male leadership, and doesn't offer significant analysis of the role of women in the Syrian government or within the family's alleged financial dealings. While this may not be intentional gender bias, the lack of gendered analysis is noteworthy.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the Syrian regime's transfer of millions of dollars and euros to Russia, allegedly to protect the assets of the Assad family and their close circle. This action exacerbates inequality within Syria by diverting resources away from the population and concentrating wealth among a select few. The significant sums moved contrast sharply with the reported "severe shortage of foreign currency" within Syria, further emphasizing the inequitable distribution of resources.