Assad certainly has a valid point. The fact that he has so far prevailed, with Russian and Iranian help, in defeating the most concerted and destructive effort so far that tried to put an end to his family’s rule in Syria has upset and angered many, including some of his neighbors and others in the region, especially Sunnis and in particular Sunni Arabs.
Recall that under the Assads, Syria has been the “Syrian Arab Republic” and not the “Islamic Republic of Syria” or the like. It remains a secular state, albeit one that is an adversary of Israel and which has kept its ties with Russia despite the fall of the USSR.
But the Sunni Arab opponents of the Assads are unlikely to quit. Assad, as he is an Alawite, is a sectarian not regarded as a Muslim by the Sunnis and can only claim the title of a Shi’a due to they payoff to Musa Sadr by his father. Assad remains the protector of his heretic Alawite sectarian group, as well as of Syria’s Christian, Druze, Kurd, and other minorities that would be endangered by an Islamist victory.
Americans are used to simple good guys vs. bad guy scenarios. Nowhere do we have a model of bad guys vs. bad guys vs. more bad guys. When, in World War II when we had to partner with the Russians, Stalin was sold to Americans as Uncle Joe. Otherwise, Americans would have put up a fuss about supporting a homicidal maniac.
In Syria, we have a war where there are no good guys. Probably the best outcome is that nobody wins. As one reporter who had spent time with multiple players put it, “The winner will annihilate the losers. The only difference in the winners is whether they kill by fire or firing squad.”
Probably when it’s all said and done, a “victory” (whatever that means) by Assad will result in fewer casualties than if it were any of the Islamists.
The only reason Assad is talking trash right now is because of the Russians.
Before their intervention, he was slowly losing. The Syrian Army was having a hard time replacing their combat losses.
IMHO, he would have been forced to flee Damascus by now if it hadn’t been for the Russians.
He made a Faustian-like bargain with the devil (Russia) and soon he will have to repay the debt. Maybe he doesn’t care - as long as he gets to remain a figurehead leader of Syria.
And if Russia doesn’t demand repayment, the Iranians will.
I have just this to say to Assad. “Isaiah 17” Don’t get too comfortable.
It’s almost as if there is some powerful force that wants ISIS to win, and that force has a greater say in U.S. policy than what the American people want. ISIS is Sunni, Iran is Shia. I wonder if anyone thinks they would benefit from chaotic Sunni Islamic states that they could manipulate into clashing with Iran. The national interest for America doesn’t exactly jump off the page.
“Europe and the United States are displeased with his victories against rebels on the ground.”
The Saudi’s for sure. And the McCain’s.
Assad is out of power, Assad allowed Al Qaeda to attack American troops in Iraq. This SANA story may be printed but only to save face. I think the Russians and Iranians want nothing to do with him. Not everyone is a terrorist, that is the only way this crap works for Assad to stay in power. The coalition may not even have to bomb Syria because Assad is no longer in power.
Assad’s out of power, Russia is 142nd in freedom of press out of 180 nations, the idiots claiming McCain this or McCain that don’t have a clue.
Putin sent 300 Russians to their death in Syria, some hero of the people.