Khaddam: “The Syrian campaign targets Saudi Arabia as it is seen as a barrier to Iranian influence.”
Former Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam condemned the statements made by Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, considering them part of a policy aimed at cutting Syria’s ties with the Arab system and strengthening its connection to Iran’s regional strategy.
Khaddam, in an interview with “Al-Watan,” stated that targeting Saudi Arabia is linked to Iran’s regional strategy, and the Syrian regime’s role in this strategy is determined by launching a campaign against the Kingdom and its leaders. Saudi Arabia, due to its Arab and international position, represents one of the main obstacles to Iranian interests in the region, whether in the Arab Gulf, Iraq, Palestine, or Lebanon.
Khaddam also affirmed that Syria is currently ruled by a ruling clique that has paralyzed constitutional institutions, propagated corruption, and sowed fear among citizens by intensifying repression and imposing a state of emergency.
Q: What do the Syrian leaders want? In other words, where are the Syrian leaders leading the Syrian people?
A: There are no leaders in Syria managing the country’s affairs, but rather a ruling clique that has paralyzed constitutional institutions, violated laws, used repressive measures against citizens, spread corruption in the country, and instilled fear in the hearts of Syrian citizens. They have monopolized decision-making and put Syria in a dangerous position. Moreover, they have caused severe economic crises leading to poverty, unemployment, and the depletion of state resources, resulting in economic stagnation.
Q: Do Farouk al-Sharaa’s statements reflect the sentiment of the Syrian street?
A: Al-Sharaa’s statements are part of a policy pursued by the ruling clique to cut Syria’s ties with the Arab system and strengthen its connection to Iran’s regional strategy. Farouk al-Sharaa speaks on behalf of his master, and it is evident that the campaign began with Bashar al-Assad’s statements against Arab leaders, followed by intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia through multiple statements by al-Sharaa and others and through the Syrian media and the Syrian intelligence agents in Lebanon. The focus on Saudi Arabia is linked to Iran’s regional strategy, and the Syrian regime’s role in this strategy is defined by launching a campaign against the Kingdom and its leaders. Saudi Arabia, due to its Arab and international position and its capabilities, represents one of the main obstacles to Iranian influence in the region, whether in the Arab Gulf, Iraq, Palestine, or Lebanon.
After getting involved in extending (the Lebanese President) Lahoud’s term and the issuance of Resolution 1559, the assassination of President (Rafik) Hariri and a number of Lebanese leaders, and the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon, and the formation of the International Investigation Committee, Bashar al-Assad found himself facing international and Arab accountability. His major mistake was linking Syria to Iran’s regional interests, hoping that this would guarantee his position by using Hezbollah to escalate the situation in Lebanon and push it towards an explosion. At that point, Bashar al-Assad imagines that he will transform from an accused to a partner in solving the region’s problems, and the issue of the International Tribunal will be closed. These statements by al-Sharaa are condemned by the Syrian people, who have historical and close relations with Saudi Arabia since the establishment of both countries. All Syrians know the significant support and assistance that Saudi Arabia has provided to Syria since the era of the late King Abdulaziz, and they are aware of the political and economic aid that the Kingdom has offered to Syria over the past three decades. The Syrian people, with their authenticity and values, firmly reject these suspicious campaigns against Saudi Arabia, which serve those who plot against the Arab nation.
Q: In your opinion, what is the reason behind the current Syrian officials’ campaign against Saudi Arabia?
A: As I mentioned earlier, Bashar al-Assad committed a series of major mistakes, one of which was linking Syria to Iran’s regional interests. This raised fears and concerns among Syrians that Syria would become an arena for the ongoing conflicts in the region, with Iran as a party involved. Therefore, as part of this strategy, Bashar al-Assad launched consecutive campaigns against Saudi Arabia.
Q: How do you view Syria’s future under its current leaders?
A: The Syrian people have two options. The first is to get rid of the ruling clique and build a state based on the rule of law and institutions where citizens enjoy equal rights and duties regardless of religion, sect, ethnicity, or gender. In doing so, Syria will regain its position in the Arab and international arenas and continue its path of progress and development. The second scenario, under the continuation of this regime, will lead to more suffering for the Syrian people. Poverty and unemployment will increase, economic crises will worsen, corruption will eat away at the state, repression will intensify, and extremism may grow to confront the regime’s extremism, potentially turning Syria into another Iraq. In short, the continuation of the current regime means the loss of Syria.
S – How do you view the future of Syria under its current rulers? A – The Syrian people are facing two scenarios. The first is to rid themselves of the ruling clique and build a state of law and institutions where citizens have equal rights and duties, regardless of religion, sect, ethnicity, or gender. This will allow Syria to reclaim its position on both the Arab and international stages, fostering progress and development. The second scenario, under the continuation of the current regime, will see increased suffering for the Syrian people, with poverty, unemployment, economic crises, corruption, and repression intensifying. This may lead to the growth of extremism, potentially turning Syria into another Iraq. In short, the continuation of the current regime would mean the loss of Syria.
S – What role should the Syrian civil society play in correcting the course of the politicians in power? A – The ruling authority in Syria is not amenable to correction due to its dictatorial nature, which produces behavior contrary to the interests of the Syrian people. There is no solution with this regime, and the task of the Syrian people is to strengthen national unity, cooperation, and overcome fear. They should focus their efforts on achieving change.
S – The issue of opposition figure Riad Seif was raised at the highest levels, and Washington intervened to request permission for him to travel abroad for cancer treatment. Has Syria really become a large prison for its citizens? A – Syria has been a prison for decades, with the state of emergency and repression punishing any call for reform with years of imprisonment. Syrians feel that they do not live in a state governed by the rule of law, but rather under a system that uses repression to seize freedoms. Preventing Riad Seif, a Syrian opposition figure, from traveling for medical treatment exposes the nature of this regime and its disregard for basic human rights.
The Inevitability of Change: S – Returning to the internal situation in Syria, do you see a solution that would lead to your return to Syria, and what steps have you taken in this regard, given that you lead a reform movement for this purpose? A – Change in Syria is inevitable, and a people suffering from repression and persecution, under a policy of discrimination, exclusion, and isolation, and deprived of the basic necessities of life and employment, will not tolerate this regime. The National Salvation Front, which includes various opposition factions and figures, has formulated its program for achieving change and is working to provide the conditions for its success. This front has taken serious steps in its work, and the Syrian people are preparing for the day when they will rise to overthrow tyranny, with the help of God.
S – Where has the International Tribunal reached in the trial of the killers of President Rafik Hariri, and do you have information about it summoning some Syrian officials for questioning? A – The International Tribunal is a reality, and the investigation, as I believe, is nearing its end. It is certain that all those involved in the assassination crimes will be held accountable, regardless of their positions. The progress of the investigation has revealed Bashar al-Assad and his aides’ involvement, pushing Lebanon towards explosion.
S – Some in Syria accuse you of being behind the international campaign, especially in Europe and America, to impose a siege on Syria. Is there really an imminent siege against Syria? A – It is essential to distinguish between the interests of the Syrian nation and people and the despotic regime. The Syrian opposition has called and continues to call on the Arab and international communities to help the Syrian people in their struggle against the despotic regime, not for imposing a siege on the people. The opposition does not have information about an imminent or distant siege, and in any case, it rejects any measures that would harm the Syrian people.
The Presidential Elections: A Lebanese Interest: S – Based on your experience with Lebanese affairs, do you believe that there will be a constitutional void on November 25? What are your solutions, and do you see the possibility of holding presidential elections in Lebanon, or is the country heading towards disaster? A – It is in Lebanon’s interest to hold presidential elections on time, followed by the formation of a national unity government to address the complex situation resulting from Bashar al-Assad’s practices in Lebanon. If Lebanese national interests prevail among all Lebanese parties, then things will proceed naturally, and presidential elections will be held, leading to the formation of a national unity government. However, if the Syrian regime is worried about the International Tribunal, it will work to obstruct the elections and push its allies to stir up security issues, hoping to transform itself from an accused party to a participant in solving Lebanon’s and the region’s problems, ensuring the Tribunal’s disruption and the continuation of its regime. The international community and Arab countries are determined to support holding presidential elections, but the question is whether the Syrian regime will comply with these directions. If not, what will happen, and will Iran continue to pressure Hezbollah to respond to Bashar al-Assad’s demands? The failure to hold elections could have serious consequences, not only for Lebanon but also for the entire region, and could be a gateway to major explosions in the region.
The Lebanese Army’s Best Course: S – If the presidential elections do not occur, what is the future fate of Lebanon?
- Two governments?
- Civil war?
- Tightening the army’s control over political decisions? A – As I mentioned earlier, the question is not about what will happen in Lebanon, but rather about what will happen in the region, as the Lebanese issue has become an international and regional problem, affecting security and stability in the entire region. I doubt that the Lebanese Army will take control due to the complexities of sectarian and political situations in Lebanon. It would be better for Lebanon if the army stays away from involvement in political issues, especially considering that Lebanon’s sectarian and political situation may affect the army if it intervenes. Some forces possess military capabilities that surpass the capabilities of the army, particularly in certain regions, and the army, as it currently stands, is incapable of asserting control over all Lebanese territories.
