In a confidential telegram dated December 13, 2006, leaked by “Wicklex” and exclusively translated by “Zaman Al-Wasel,” the focus is on the Syrian government’s influence in 2006. According to the American Embassy in Damascus, Abdel Halim Khaddam possesses intimate knowledge of the regime’s most guarded secrets and intricacies (the author of the telegram employs an English term, akin to the colloquial phrase “Daphnina Sawa”). As a result, Khaddam greatly agitates Bashar.
In a section titled “A servant worker,” the telegram proceeds to explain that the Syrian regime, including Bashar himself, meticulously monitors every utterance made by Khaddam, reacting with frustration and sensitivity. The regime’s discontent is particularly evident when an Arab country hosts Khaddam or allows him to deliver statements through its media channels.
The telegram further addresses “divisions within the security and army.” It reveals Bashar’s anger towards the loyalties of senior officers, whether current or former, and their inclinations towards dissenting figures from the regime, such as Rifat al-Assad and Khaddam. The inner circle surrounding Bashar consistently seeks to secure their portion of the corruption spoils. Some of Bashar’s attempts to limit the circle of beneficiaries have prompted these individuals to strengthen their ties with senior security personnel.
