A man tears up a photo of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Serbia (Image: AP/Darko Vojinovic) Bashar al-Assad was secure in power right up until the moment he wasn’t, which it turns out was November 30, when the northern city of Aleppo — or what was left of it after Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies devastated the city and murdered tens of thousands of its inhabitants between 2012 and 2016 — fell to the forces of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led alliance. Few observers picked that a full-scale collapse of the Assad regime was imminent — the fall of Aleppo was merely a “significant threat”, according to the sober-minded Foreign Policy . Then Homs, a city far to the south and more than halfway to Damascus, fell at the end of last week and it became clear an Afghanistan-style collapse was happening to a regime that had appeared immovable. Assad has now reportedly retreated to Moscow, now the guest of another monster. It’s an outcome he could have obtained more than a decade ago with some honour and international credit if he had stepped down in the face of Arab Spring protests against his vicious rule. Don’t let the hard left, the propagandists and apologists for Assad tell you otherwise: the removal of this monster is an unmitigated good. He is responsible for the slaughter of at least half a million people , including more than 160,000 civilians. His regime’s systematic use of torture and sexual violence — against women , men and children — is a matter of record, as is his use of chemical weapons and illegal munitions on his own citizens. The only pity is that he wasn’t dragged from a ditch by his enemies like Muammar Gaddafi, but will instead enjoy the luxury of exile. ‘This is the toughest time since the genocide began’: Famine continues to spread across Gaza Read More But like the welcome overthrow of Gaddafi did for Libya, Assad’s removal only rolls the dice on Syria’s political future rather than guaranteeing any sort of better world. The Libyan example demonstrates the chaos and misery that can follow the removal of a tyrant, as well as the consequences for the broader region (ask Italians about the scourge of mass illegal migration caused by Gaddafi’s removal, and the impact it has had on the nation’s politics). The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Golani), might seek to portray himself as an unusually pluralist kind of Islamist militant, but as yet there is no evidence he can hold Syria together any more than Assad could in the face of multiple factions and a continuing Russian presence — or that he won’t resort to the same brutal measures to hold on to the territory he’s now claimed. At this point, Libya Mark 2 would seem to be the most likely outcome, despite the celebrations in Syrian cities, with the Islamic State poised to try to take advantage. Assad’s deposition is a very late win for the Biden administration, which, like the Obama administration, has continued to fund and arm whichever Syrian rebels it determined were the least worst. It’s also an illustration of the limits of Vladimir Putin’s power. The once mighty Russia now can’t prop up its closest allies even with the support of Iran and major terrorist groups like Hezbollah. All Putin can do is offer a safe haven for the fleeing tyrant. It’s also problematic for Donald Trump, whose famously subtle idea of “diplomacy” will be tested by having to find a way to help prevent Syria from falling into chaos. He could start by ditching Tulsi Gabbard as his pick for director of national intelligence given her enthusiastic support for Assad . You may, if you’re a glutton for punishment, remember Murdoch buffoon Greg Sheridan lauding Trump as having “ greater deterrent credibility ” than Kamala Harris. Sheridan has never explained how appointing a Putin and Assad supporter as director of national intelligence demonstrated “greater deterrent credibility”, but the case, such as it is, took an almighty hit over the weekend. Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
Modernization measures and their influence on rents: An analysis 12-22-2024 07:17 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: Schwarzat Capital A new bathroom can work wonders (© Sven Schwarzat ) The modernization of apartments plays a decisive role in increasing the value of real estate. For investors like Sven Schwarzat and companies like Schwarzat Capital GmbH, these measures are a key factor in both improving living comfort and maximizing rental yields. Although Schwarzat Capital GmbH is mainly active in Leipzig, most aspects are likely to apply nationwide. But which modernization measures have the greatest impact on rental prices? Energy-efficient refurbishment One of the most important measures is energy-efficient refurbishment. This includes insulating facades, roofs and windows and replacing old heating systems with modern, energy-efficient versions. According to studies, such investments can significantly reduce energy costs for tenants and thus increase their willingness to pay. Sven Schwarzat emphasizes that energy-efficient modernization not only offers ecological benefits, but also significantly increases the value of the property. Bathroom and kitchen refurbishment A modern bathroom and a high-quality kitchen are among the most popular modernization projects that have a direct impact on rental prices. Apartments with these amenities generate higher rental income as they significantly increase living comfort. Schwarzat Capital GmbH has demonstrated in numerous projects that targeted investments in these areas can significantly increase the attractiveness of properties for potential tenants. Smart home technology With the digitalization of living space, the demand for smart home solutions is also increasing. Intelligent heating and lighting systems, surveillance cameras and voice control systems are increasingly perceived as standard. Sven Schwarzat emphasizes that young target groups in particular are willing to pay more rent for such amenities. Schwarzat Capital GmbH often integrates these technologies into its modernization projects in order to offer future-oriented living concepts. Floor plan optimization Changing or optimizing the floor plan of an apartment can also have a significant impact on rental prices. Open-plan living areas that connect the kitchen and living room are particularly popular. Such modern living concepts can often be easily realized by demolishing non-load-bearing walls. For Sven Schwarzat and Schwarzat Capital GmbH, such measures are an effective way of maximizing the potential use of living space. Accessibility As society ages, accessibility is becoming increasingly important. The installation of elevators, step-free access and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms also makes properties attractive to older target groups. These measures often lead to higher rents as they appeal to a broader target group. Conclusion The right selection and implementation of modernization measures is crucial to sustainably increasing rents. Energy-efficient refurbishments, bathroom and kitchen renovations and smart home technologies are among the most effective measures. Sven Schwarzat and Schwarzat Capital GmbH rely on a combination of these measures to optimize both living comfort for tenants and profitability for owners. Experience from numerous projects shows that targeted investment in modernization not only increases the competitiveness of a property, but also ensures stable rental income in the long term. About the author: Sven Schwarzat is Managing Director of Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen. With this GmbH and also privately, he holds numerous properties in his portfolio, carries out construction projects and rents out his apartments. His focus is in and around Leipzig. His expertise and experience make him a reliable advisor for general questions on real estate and specifically on the Leipzig real estate market. About Schwarzat Capital GmbH: Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen, is a leading company in the field of real estate investment and development. The company specializes in the acquisition, refurbishment and letting of residential properties in Leipzig. For further information, please contact (also responsible for this press release): Schwarzat Capital GmbH Mr. Sven Schwarzat Ernst-Thälmann-Straße 18 06686 Lützen Germany phone ..: 034444909876 web ..: http://www.schwarzat-capital.de email : info@schwarzat-capital.de You can use this press release - even in a modified or abridged form - free of charge on your website with a source link to our homepage. Schwarzat Capital GmbH Ernst-Thälmann-Straße 18 06686 Lützen Germany https://www.schwarzat-capital.de Herr Sven Schwarzat 034444909876 info@schwarzat-capital.de Schwarzat Capital GmbH, based in Lützen, is a growing real estate company that specializes in letting residential space. The company is particularly active in the student housing sector and offers modern and affordable rental solutions in attractive locations. This release was published on openPR.