[1]  Most government officials in Syria own one or more black Mercedes.

[2]  Importation of cars in Syria is strictly controlled by the government. Indeed, cars of all kinds are considered luxury items and are subject to a 300% tax. To avoid such a hefty tax and to own the kind of cars which cannot legally be imported to Syria, government officials issue to themselves, their relatives and acquaintances, and those they, for one reason or another, favor, yellow license plates which allow for cars purchased in Lebanon, where they are very cheap,  to be brought to Syria without paying any taxes. The license is temporary but easily renewable .

[3]  Most high government officials own one or more such villas.

[4]  Shortly after the Presidential Referendum was conducted, construction began on an Arch of Victory to be dedicated to the President. The Arch was being constructed along the famous Mazzah Highway in Damascus, all tourists, Diplomats and foreign dignitaries would have had to pass under the Arch on their way to Damascus, had the project been allowed to reach fulfillment. As it happened, however, construction was halted mere days after the inception and all traces of the Arch were removed. For the whole project turned to be the initiative of the Cousin, an arch-rival of the Son.

[5]  Syria’s system is often described, by Syrian government officials and their lackeys, as a participatory democracy.

[6]  Long ago known as Baksheesh.