The Syrian Ba'ath Party claims to have 2.3 million members - but most of that consists of people who need membership to get a job or be promoted. Leaving aside a few thousand top cadre (mostly from the Alawite minority to which Assad belongs), the Ba'ath Party is no more than an empty shell. (Amir Taheri)

The Syrian Ba'ath Party claims to have 2.3 million members - but most of that consists of people who need membership to get a job or be promoted. Leaving aside a few thousand top cadre (mostly from the Alawite minority to which Assad belongs), the Ba'ath Party is no more than an empty shell.

Amir Taheri

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