A tale of two Syrias: Free-market opening sows resentment of new rulers

Syria's political upheaval has brought stark contrasts for local entrepreneurs: while Mohammad al-Badawi thrives with cheaper Turkish beverages now accessible nationwide, Haytham Joud's decades-long business empire under Assad's regime has imploded due to the new free market economy. This reflects Syria's shift from crony capitalism to a more open society since Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took power.