In this episode, the “Talk of the Day” program will host Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, former Vice President of the Syrian Arab Republic, to shed light on the current situation in Syria.
Mr. Khaddam asserts that the situation in Syria is extremely dangerous, and Bashar Al-Assad is driving the country into a sectarian conflict that will not only engulf Syria but the entire region. He expresses concern that the continuation of this regime will pose risks to the security and stability of the region and the interests of countries with economic and security relations in the area. Another peril lies in the potential dismantling of Syria, as it could have a domino effect on other countries in the region such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt. Therefore, all parties concerned about the security and stability of the region should stand by the Syrian people and contribute to military action aimed at overthrowing this regime.
Khaddam highlights that former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad had established a robust security apparatus that did not have a national structure in mind. Only a limited number of Baathists were allowed to enter military colleges, while the other 90% came from Hafez al-Assad’s own segment. Consequently, the army currently engaged in fighting is a sectarian tool employed to undermine national unity in Syria. Khaddam adds that a significant number of individuals from this segment oppose the regime and reject the notion of a sectarian state and being drawn into civil conflict. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assume that all members of the Alawi community support Bashar al-Assad. If such events were to occur during my time in power, Khaddam states, I would step down if I couldn’t alter the course of the situation.
He added that the Syrian people had been suppressed by an unparalleled security apparatus in the region. There was constant repression, prisons, killings, and a pervasive atmosphere of hatred and oppression. There was a fear that this oppression would reach a breaking point, and there were concerns that the regime would use its power to devastate the country.
Khaddam stated that the regime has come to an end and will not be able to continue because it is facing a genuine popular revolution that is not led by any political party, leader, or group. It is a revolution initiated by the people themselves, driven by their refusal to tolerate injustice and oppression any longer. Initially, the opposition had no involvement in the revolution; they joined to support it and adopted its slogans, with some aiming to gain power. The Syrian people will remain undefeated and will stand up, fight, and defend themselves until the end.
Mr. Khaddam then proceeded to discuss the absence of significant divisions within the party, diplomatic corps, and military institutions. He highlighted that leaving the Baath Party is punishable by death, and diplomatic personnel were selected through specific criteria. The army officers all share the same ideology, which is why there have been no defections.
In concluding his speech, Khaddam emphasized that the Syrian revolution is a national revolution and confronts a regime backed by the second strongest army in the region. Additionally, it faces an Iranian-Russian alliance seeking to exert control over the region. The Syrian people are not merely facing Bashar al-Assad; they are confronting the military might of Russia, which bears great responsibility for providing weapons to Bashar al-Assad for the slaughter of the Syrian people. These actions will have future consequences in the region once the regime falls.