A well-known drug in the Middle East, captagon, has transformed Syria into a narcostate. The extensive production of this drug has affected militia, rebel groups, and surrounding countries. Now, as Syria is approaching readmission into the Arab League, President al-Assad is using his opportunity to crackdown on the illicit as a political bargaining chip.

Middle EastBy Hannah MartinOctober 11, 2023drug trafficking, civil war, rebel groups, Arab League, interregional relations, economy, Gulf region