Talibans are the obvious counter-example. No, the reason they might be less corrupt than the average dictator in the area is that they seem to have a plan, and

Talibans are the obvious counter-example. No, the reason they might be less corrupt than the average dictator in the area is that they seem to have a plan, and until it is implemented, we can expect the leaders to behave. Also culturally, Syrian are very close to Turks and benefitted a lot from ottoman administration and Sunni legalism, which is a big reason why I believe it is possible for them to have a (mostly) secular government. Sadly I think it is likely they will implement a dual government like Iran had, a theocracy with a democratically elected secular government. Which are more resilient, but bad news overall (still better than Assad regime tbh).