Summary
Even for some of the Syrian regime's staunchest supporters, this month's launch of a glitzy new shopping mall and tourism projects seems to have been a step too far. With large parts of the country ravaged by fighting and hundreds dying every week, the $50 million projects in the pro-regime coastal stronghold of Tartous have sparked criticism from supporters of President Bashar Assad.
The mall, which was opened by Prime Minister Wael Halqi on Oct. 9, includes "seven restaurants, a playroom for children and shops," a government press release boasted, announcing additional "tourism projects" in the city.
While not itself ravaged by fighting, more soldiers from Tartous have been killed in the conflict than from any other province in Syria. The regime has long regarded its coastal strongholds as deep reservoirs for recruiting to the army and pro-regime militias.
Jihad Yazigi, director of the Syria Report, said the government's decision to move forward with the projects was part of a long-term approach.
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