One of the unmentioned causes of the Syrian Civil War appears to be the Captagon trade. This is an illegal drug that can be easily manufactured by the millions in small factories.
One role it plays to give the fighters “energy” – while on Captagon they can stay awake 24 hours a day, they’re stronger, they’re fearless, etc. But it’s addictive and destructive to human health.
In some cases Captagon profits are used to fund groups fighting in Syria. The profits are enormous.
Much of the Captagon trade is funneled into Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries. This is because while alcohol is absolutely banned in those countries, drugs like this are not. The people who would be drunkards in any other country are instead hooked on drugs.