"Mouse, O General", shot in Turkey and played by a majority of actors opposed to the Syrian government, contrasts with the historical or rosewater soap operas broadcast during Ramadan. "This is the first time in the Arab world that a soap opera evokes the Syrian regime," says Fidaa Saleh, a 35-year-old activist.
The soap opera revolves around the power struggle between the president and his younger brother, Assi, chief of staff. The main actor, Maxim Khalil, plays Fourat, head of state with a disturbing resemblance, even in gestures, with President Bashar al-Assad.