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# Syrian Dictator Seeking Work... on Craigslist?
- URL: https://hyperallergic.com/syrian-dictator-seeking-work-on-craigslist/
- Published: 2012-02-09T22:55:21.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-24T16:48:58.000Z
- Description: LOS ANGELES — If you log into the jobs board in Craigslist Reno, you might come across a strange posting: “Dictator Seeks New Job!” Log into Craigslist Istanbul and you’ll notice another one: “President of Syria Seeks Employment!”
- Author: AX Mina
- Tags: Opinion, #wp, #wp-post, #image-position-hidden, #Import 2025-11-24 06:51 (2012, 2013, part 1)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/51/f8/51f871d8-b6be-4a73-b958-0ca4fff0110a/content/images/hyperallergic-newspack-s3-amazonaws-com/uploads/2012/02/dictatorseeksnewjob1.png)

A screenshot from Joseph Delappe's posting in Craigslist Reno.

LOS ANGELES — If you log into the jobs board in Craigslist Reno, you might come across a strange posting: “[Dictator Seeks New Job!](http://reno.craigslist.org/res/2834603489.html?ref=hyperallergic.com)” Log into Craigslist Istanbul and you’ll notice another one: “[President of Syria Seeks Employment!](http://istanbul.tr.craigslist.com.tr/res/2838354099.html?ref=hyperallergic.com)”

Bashar al-Assad, apparently, is looking for work. Here are some of his qualifications:

> “I will consider all offers of temporary and/or long-term employment. I am especially interested in working abroad. I am expert in all aspects of despotic rule, including torture, general corruption and fixed elections.”

It’s a niche market, to be sure.

The project is the latest by [new media artist Joseph Delappe](http://www.unr.edu/art/delappe/delappe%20main%20page/delappe%20online%20main.html?ref=hyperallergic.com), who last year placed [Hosni Mubarak up on eBay](http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/02/hosni%5Fmubarak%5Ff.php?ref=hyperallergic.com). When asked why he chose Craigslist and not, say, Monster.com, he responded:

> “I am drawn to Craigslist as it is simple and straight forward. My hope is that others may take up the call and post locally. I like that Craigslist allows me to post my ad in say, Beirut as easily as one may post in my home location, Reno.”

With his *Dictator Series*, situated in unexpected internet media, Delappe sees his work as “a wry form of protest,” and he’s put out [an open call](http://rhizome.org/announce/opportunities/58213/view/?ref=hyperallergic.com) on Rhizome for others to join in.

It looks like Craigslist readers are getting it. One of Delappe’s first responses:

> Hi Mr Asad,  
> I am all about second chances you cruel dictator.  
> I have an interesting sales opportunity with new and unique wellness products. Will you be interested to hear more  
> ?  
> Sorry no killing in this position..

“I have no illusions that what I am doing may in any way affect the outcome in Syria,” he noted. “I do this as a way of showing my support as an artist for people on the other side of the world who are fighting for their freedom.”