Arab tactics: Bailing out on friends to remain in power?

It's deja vu. We saw it in Egypt and we are now seeing it happen all over again in Syria.

Rami Makhlouf, a hated cousin for the Syrian president and a symbol of corruption in the country, announced he would quit business and take up charity work.

Makhlouf in front of a poster of Assad.

It is a reminder of when Mubarak's son, Gamal, resigned from his senior post in National Democratic Party. Safwat el-Sherif, the secretary general of the party and Mubarak's long-time confident, also resigned.

What does it mean? Is it really a concession for protesters? Does it really mean reform and change is being introduced in the country, or is it another move to deceive protesters and quell the rallies.

Egyptians were right (and smart of course;) when they were not convinced by the announcements, as are Syrians now who vowed to continue their protests.

Efforts by Syrian regime seem too little too late after over 1,300 civilians were killed. Such offers tells the world that the government underestimates the intellect of activists and people in the country as whole.

Why would they believe you now, when you had all the time before to prove your good intentions?

Makhlouf, is also the easiest member of the Assad's circle to get the role of the sacrificial lamb. He already angered thousands of Syrians when he told the New York Times in May that Assad’s government would fight to the end in a battle that could increase turmoil in the region and even lead to a regional war with Israel.

He is also only one of many who hold senior posts, monopolizing either businesses or government and military posts in the country.

If Assad wants to make concessions, then all those people, including his brother Maher, and his brother-in-aw Assef Shawkat, will have to leave their power.

But can Assad allow this?

Not likely, because without them, he will not be able to hang on to power. Though he has been in power for 11 years, Bashar, an optician, has been described as inexperienced politician, who is heavily supported by his extended family since the death of his father Hafiz al-Assad in 2000.