Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former Syrian vice president, stated that President Bashar al-Assad should step down, cautioning him against meeting a fate similar to that of the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. In an interview with CNN, Khaddam emphasized that the ongoing revolution in Syria is not sectarian, but rather a revolution against the regime.
He further remarked, “This revolution is not aimed at the Alawite community, but rather at the ruling family, their crimes, and their authoritarian and corrupt regime. Those accountable for Bashar al-Assad’s crimes are those who participated in the planning and issuance of orders for their execution.”
During his conversation with the network, Khaddam added, “The scenario of Libya could be the final one. Personally, I hope that the international community intervenes militarily to resolve the current issue, as doing so would prevent further loss and destruction in the country and contribute to overall stability in the region.”
Khaddam had publicly announced his break from the ruling regime in Syria in late 2005, following the deterioration of his relationship with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Khaddam emphasized that Bashar al-Assad “is the one who gives the orders to kill. While there are relatives and security services that report to him, ultimately, Bashar al-Assad is the decision-maker.”