Veteran dissident Riad al-Turk, told Elaph on April 16, "we are not betting on Khaddam's opposition because he is but one person in the opposition ... but while we are not forced to support Khaddam, nor should we fight him on behalf of the regime." He added that "it is normal right now to see defectors among Syrian officials and we are open to all, including Baathists." (Arabic. Elaph. 4/16/06).
Turk noted that the Syrian crackdown on the opposition began after the Baath Party Conference last June, but has been escalating "to keep the domestic front calm." He added, "the regime feels it is in a decisive moment that could determine its fate, so it is resisting." (Arabic. Levant News, 4/16/06).
Turk thought that the regime was being unjust in its crackdown, as the opposition is currently unable to mobilize the street. "The main battle is between the regime and Washington," he said. "The national Syrian opposition is in the middle." Turk held the regime responsible for any potential American military intervention.
Comments