It establishes a virtual reality to support a regime that sustains itself by exploiting the fears of minorities.
Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President who defected from the regime in 2005, believes that Maronite Patriarch Bishara Rai’s problem lies in his lack of awareness regarding the history of the Syrian people and the magnitude and richness of their national culture. In an exclusive interview with “Yagal.net,” Khaddam stated that external influences from certain delegations sent by the Syrian regime have manipulated and incited the patriarch, leading to statements that contradict the realities of Syrian and Lebanese lives. Khaddam, currently heading an opposition front he established years ago with the goal of overthrowing the current Syrian regime, disclosed the history and present reality of Christians in Syria, as well as the dangers of supporting a regime that stokes sectarian hatred by falsely claiming to protect minorities. He emphasized, “Christians in Syria are an integral part of the Syrian people’s national heritage.”
Regarding the early days of independence, he continued, “At the dawn of independence, the late Faris Khoury was selected as the Speaker of Parliament and went on to serve as Prime Minister multiple times. Faris Khoury’s role reflected the political, social, economic, and cultural realities of the time. Christian leaders played a significant role in the construction of an independent state.”
Discussing Christians in the era of the United Arab Republic, he pointed out, “Following the establishment of the United Arab Republic with Egypt and the nationalization process, the national bourgeoisie, including the Christian community, dwindled and dispersed from Syria to Lebanon, Europe, and the Americas. As a result, the influence of these historical leaders waned, and no new leaders, Christian or Muslim, emerged to fill the void in Syrian leadership.”
Commenting on the post-March 8 period, he added, “The second significant development occurred after the March 8 movement and the rise of the Baath Party to power. The party adopted a revolutionary approach that expanded the state’s control over the economy, leading to the emigration of numerous Syrians, both Christians and Muslims. Consequently, many political and economic figures departed Syria.”
He highlighted the increasing emigration, particularly among Christians, and the diminishing political and economic roles of Christians, which gave rise to political factions among Christian youth operating under the regime’s auspices, such as the Communist Party and the Baath Party.
He concluded, “Despite these circumstances, no harm has come to Christians from either their compatriots or the authorities. Any incidents of mistreatment have been due to factors affecting all Syrians.”
Christians used to have a significant presence in Aleppo, with 13 deputies, 7 of whom were Muslims and 6 were Christians. However, at present, there is only one deputy representing the Armenian community in Aleppo. In the past, Homs had a thriving Christian population, and the influence of the Shammas family was notable. Unfortunately, under the Assad regime, that influence no longer exists.
It is a well-established fact that when a Christian child from Syria goes abroad to pursue their studies, they rarely return. Over the past four decades, approximately 4 million Syrians from various sects have emigrated. The regime’s actions have raised concerns.
Khaddam further elaborated, “Given the prevailing sectarian tensions in Syria, the regime has successfully instilled fear among religious and sectarian minorities through imagined reactions. As a result, these minorities have found themselves trapped within the circle of fear. Despite no major sectarian incidents occurring against these minorities, the regime has managed to manipulate them into seeking its protection. According to the 2008 Personal Status Census, Christians currently constitute approximately 20 percent of the Syrian population.”
When addressing AL RAEI, Khaddam stated, “Syrians are known for their moderation. Neither Islamic nor Christian fundamentalist movements have been able to take root. The only movement that emerged, Fatah Al-Islam, was created by the regime to exploit in Lebanon.”
He continued, “It is regrettable that Patriarch Shepherd, due to his ecclesiastical position, failed to grasp the gravity of his statements regarding Christians in Syria. Is it reasonable to assume that the Christian community is a minority in Syria in order to fabricate a hypothetical situation, wherein a fundamentalist rule is established that harms Christians, while disregarding the reality that the Syrian regime is responsible for the death of countless citizens, the detention of tens of thousands, and the humiliation of people?”
Khaddam emphasized, “The patriarch should not have utilized Bakirki’s website to support a regime that has perpetrated atrocities and humiliated Syrians.”
He stated, “On this occasion, I draw the patriarch’s attention to the significant movement taking place within the generous Alawite community in Syria. They are increasingly aware of the danger posed by the regime, as it pushes them into a sectarian confrontation with other components of the Syrian people. This regime, if not overthrown, will foster an environment conducive to the growth of the most extreme elements, potentially turning Syria into a sanctuary for all extremists within the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
Khaddam added, “We are striving for change while preserving national unity and ensuring accountability for all individuals, both civilians and military personnel, based on their actions against the Syrian people, rather than their sectarian, political, or party affiliations.”
He stressed, “This approach requires the support of all. It is illogical for those who fear the abhorrent sectarian wave to continue supporting the regime.”
In conclusion, he stated, “It is the duty of the opposition to recognize that any new system built on reactions, hatred, and revenge contradicts national interests. Only by following this path can we avoid the mistakes made in Iraq. Embracing the principle of freedom for all will allow for the implementation of just accountability mechanisms and the prevention of extremism, revenge, and bullying.”
