Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam issued a warning that the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States marked the beginning of a third world war, which would not be confined to the borders of Afghanistan but would have far-reaching implications worldwide. Khaddam reaffirmed his country’s condemnation of terrorism and expressed Syria’s commitment to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. However, he emphasized Syria’s opposition to the ongoing war led by the United States in Afghanistan, as it lacked clear definitions and understanding of terrorism and its origins.
Khaddam’s remarks were made during an interview broadcast by the official Syrian news agency “SANA” while he was meeting with a delegation from the French Higher Military Studies Center, who were currently visiting the Syrian capital for discussions with Syrian officials. These statements from Khaddam represent the strongest expression to date by a senior Syrian official, expressing concerns that the United States’ war efforts in Afghanistan could expand to encompass other countries in the Middle East, including Syria, which has been accused by the United States of supporting terrorism due to its association with groups that resist Israeli policies.
Quoting Khaddam, “SANA” reported his acknowledgment of the horrific nature of the terrorist acts that occurred in New York and Washington. Syria has unequivocally condemned these acts, and President Bashar Al-Assad has also expressed to the EU delegation that Syria is willing to engage in international cooperation to combat terrorism, provided that clear definitions and parameters are established, to avoid being caught in perpetual wars under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Khaddam further noted that the events of September 11 were the catalyst for a third world war, with far-reaching consequences that could profoundly impact the lives, security, and stability of people worldwide. He warned that the war experienced by the people of Afghanistan would not be limited to their borders but would extend to various parts of the world for decades to come.
The Syrian Vice President criticized United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, which grants countries the authority to engage in war against others under the guise of fighting terrorism, without seeking recourse through the United Nations. He emphasized the right of people to resist occupation and the importance of distinguishing between resistance and terrorism, accusing Israel of engaging in such terrorism against the Palestinian people. Khaddam also expressed criticism toward European countries for their failure to pass a resolution condemning Israel during the recent Durban Conference on Combating Racism, suggesting that they had overlooked Israeli terrorism. He reiterated Syria’s determination to convene an international conference to address terrorism and its definition, highlighting the potential for escalating episodes of violence globally if such a conference were not held.
