Abdul Halim Khaddam, the former Vice President of Syria, called on President Bashar al-Assad to step down and relinquish his position, warning him of a fate similar to the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. From Khaddam’s perspective, Assad shares characteristics with the former Libyan leader in terms of his actions and the current surrounding circumstances.
However, Khaddam emphasized that the current revolution in Syria is not sectarian but rather a revolution against the regime. He added, “This revolution is not against the Alawite sect but against the ruling family, its crimes, and its oppressive and corrupt system. Those responsible for all of Bashar al-Assad’s crimes are those who participated in planning and giving orders for their execution.”
Regarding whether the Libyan scenario might be repeated in Syria, Khaddam said, “The Libyan scenario might be the last scenario. Personally, I hope that the international community intervenes militarily and resolves the current problem because ending it avoids losses and destruction in the country and helps achieve comprehensive stability in the region.”
Khaddam had announced his defection at the end of 2005, following the deterioration of his relationship with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his continuous calls for peaceful change.
Regarding his knowledge of Bashar al-Assad’s nature, Khaddam said, “I tried to help him when he assumed the presidency, but his problem lies in that he listens a lot and changes his viewpoint more. If you present a topic to him in the morning, any visitor in the evening can change his convictions… Bashar is indecisive and emotional.”
Khaddam confirms that Bashar al-Assad “is the one who gives the orders to kill. There are relatives and security agencies that point to him, but the decision-maker in the end is Bashar al-Assad,” according to Khaddam.
As violence continues in Syria, with 14 casualties reported on Monday according to the Local Coordination Committees in Syria, the independent international investigative committee assessing the situation in Syria accused the Syrian army of committing ‘crimes against humanity’ during the suppression of protesters against President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Damascus was urged to immediately end widespread human rights violations.