ABSTRACT
The Syrian regime can rightly be characterized by its monopoly of power. The legacy of power-wielding is necessary to understand the nature of the current system and the level of authority and margin of autonomy enjoyed by Hafiz's son, Bashar, in the decision-taking process. A salient manifestation of political brutality was the role played by Hafiz's brother Rif'at who reportedly ordered the massacre at the Palmyra prison when some 500 inmates from the Muslim Brotherhood were liquidated. The first keys to power in the Syrian political system are the security services. As war takes a heavy toll on all sides, the sectarian nature of the regime bears some responsibility: first in having caused blind violence and then in having generated indiscriminate counter-violence. The security of the leader depends on divide and rule, especially among the multiple security services whose officers are key power brokers. The regime is built on a combination of generalized corruption, violence, and sectarianism.
