Former Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam has expressed his support for the idea of a military intervention in Syria, similar to what occurred in Libya, with the aim of overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He emphasized that military intervention should not be equated with occupation.
In a letter addressed to the “Syrian Revolutionaries,” Khaddam criticized certain factions within the Syrian opposition who advocate for the deployment of international observers instead of military intervention, viewing it as an attempt to conceal their own failed positions. He highlighted the significance of international military intervention in the context of the Libyan revolution, questioning what Muammar Gaddafi would have done if the Libyan opposition had not sought such assistance. Khaddam emphasized that military intervention does not imply occupation, as the era of colonialism has passed, but rather aims to aid people in liberating themselves from oppressive and corrupt regimes.
Continuing his message, which was published on the “Free Syria” website of the National Salvation Front in Syria, Khaddam urged the young people to unite and recognize their significant historical responsibility in saving Syria and shaping its future. He advised them to disregard the voices of opponents who enjoy safety, stability, and prioritize their own interests, rejecting the international community’s intervention to protect the Syrian people, halt the massacres, and facilitate the overthrow of the regime.
He further emphasized that these opponents are not the ones experiencing the brutality of being slaughtered, witnessing their families being persecuted and displaced, or having their children arrested and tortured. Instead, it is the burden of fighting for the liberation of Syria and the protection of the Syrian people’s dignity that falls upon you. Khaddam criticized the current efforts by some Syrian opposition members abroad to establish a transitional council akin to Libya’s National Transitional Council. He argued that the calls for transitional councils are merely opportunistic attempts by certain opposition parties to exploit the sacrifices of martyrs and the suffering of Syrians for their own gains, capitalizing on the revolutionary wave.
He elaborated, “Look at what happened in Libya. With the support of the revolution, a transitional council was established, but where? By whom? It was formed on Libyan soil by the Libyan rebels, not by individuals based abroad or opposition figures abroad.” Khaddam continued, “Instead of wasting time on forming councils and attending conferences, I urge these opponents to unite under a single front abroad, providing political, moral, and financial support to the revolution. This should be done in addition to, rather than in place of, holding accountable all opposition parties that genuinely believe in the fall of the regime and the prosecution of its symbols.”
