Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam issued a warning today, stating that the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States mark “the beginning of a third world war that will not be confined to the borders of Afghanistan but will extend to many parts of the world.”
Khaddam reiterated Syria’s condemnation of terrorism and the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. He expressed Syria’s willingness to cooperate in the fight against terrorism but emphasized its opposition to the ongoing war waged by the United States in Afghanistan. Khaddam highlighted the need for clear definitions and identification of terrorism and its roots before engaging in such conflicts.
These remarks were made during an interview with the official Syrian News Agency (SANA) while Khaddam met with a delegation from the French Higher Military Studies Center, currently visiting the Syrian capital for meetings with Syrian officials.
Khaddam’s statements represent the strongest expression to date by a senior Syrian official regarding concerns that the United States may expand its current war in Afghanistan to other countries in the Middle East, including Syria. Syria has been accused by some states of supporting terrorism due to its support for groups resisting Israel.
According to SANA, Khaddam stated, “The events in New York and Washington were horrific terrorist acts. Syria has condemned them, and President Bashar Al-Assad has expressed to the EU delegation that Syria is ready for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, provided that terrorism is properly identified, described, and defined, to prevent the world from being perpetually engaged in wars under the pretext of fighting terrorism.”
He further added, “The events of last September marked the beginning of a third world war, the consequences of which may run deep and affect the lives, security, and stability of nations. The war experienced by the people of Afghanistan will not be confined to their borders but will extend to many parts of the world for many decades.”
The Syrian vice president criticized United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, which authorizes any country to wage war against another under the pretext of fighting terrorism, without resorting to the United Nations. He emphasized the right of people to resist occupation and the importance of distinguishing between resistance and terrorism, accusing Israel of perpetrating acts of terrorism against the Palestinian people. Khaddam stated that Israelis are obstructing peace and fueling extremism worldwide.
Khaddam also criticized European countries for what he perceived as a major mistake during the recent Durban Conference against Racism when they declined to issue a resolution condemning Israel and “concealed this Israeli terrorism.”
He reiterated Syria’s determination to convene an international conference to discuss terrorism and its definition. Khaddam concluded by stating, “The world will witness successive episodes of violence. No one knows how far they will escalate if this conference is not held.”
