GIGA Focus Middle East | 4/2025

The Fall of Assad in Syria Is Not the End of Captagon

Does the fall of Assad in Syria mean the end of the drug known as Captagon? No. While the Islamist interim government has destroyed drug laboratories and pills, demand for cheap drugs remains strong in Syria and in its neighbouring countries. Captagon production and smuggling are transnationalising.

Johannes Haupt

Universität Hamburg


President (ad interim)

Prof. Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach is President (ad interim) of the GIGA.

Prof. Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach

Regional Institutes

Africa|Asia|Latin America|Middle East

Energy Research and Social Science | 07/2025

Minimizing Trade-Offs and Maximizing Synergies for a Just Bioeconomy Transition

The shift to a bioeconomy offers climate and sustainability benefits but risks biodiversity loss, land conflicts, and social inequities—especially in the Global South. This article explores inclusive pathways and governance for a just, sustainable bio-based future.

Notification

Sign up to receive email notifications about GIGA activities

Social Media

Follow us