Combating corruption in Syria: historical and political overview

This article examines the features of corruption in Syria and the state authorities’ efforts to combat this socio-economic phenomenon. Particular attention is paid to identifying the historical background for the formation of anti-corruption institutions in Syria, as well as the religious dimension of the concept of corruption in Muslim society. The empirical approach was used to conduct a content analysis of Arabic-language internet publications on the issue of corruption in Syria. The scientific hypothesis is based on the assumption of a transitional nature of the development of Syrian anti-corruption institutions and the justification of biased anti-Baathist rhetoric of global human rights and anticorruption agencies regarding the situation in Damascus-controlled territory of Syria. It is noted that Bashar al-Assad’s government is currently focused on combating all forms of corruption in the country, but the extent to which its efforts will be effective and have an impact on the country’s economic recovery remains to be seen.