Syria Poses No Threat to the World and Will Not Become «Another Afghanistan,» Rebel Leader Says
In an interview with BBC published on December 19th, Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa made a bold statement, declaring that Syria poses no threat to the world and will not become «another Afghanistan.» This statement comes at a time when the ongoing conflict in Syria has been a source of global concern, with many fearing the potential for the country to become a safe haven for extremist groups.
Al-Sharaa, who leads the Syrian opposition group, the Free Syrian Army, spoke to BBC’s Middle East correspondent Quentin Sommerville about his views on the current situation in Syria. He emphasized that the Syrian people are fighting for their freedom and democracy, not to create a breeding ground for terrorism.
«The Syrian people are fighting for their dignity, for their rights, and for democracy. They are not fighting to create a base for terrorism, and they will not allow any extremist groups to take advantage of their struggle,» al-Sharaa stated.
His comments come at a time when the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been accused of using chemical weapons against its own citizens and committing other human rights violations. The conflict, which began in 2011 as a peaceful protest against the Assad regime, has now turned into a full-blown civil war, with various factions vying for control of the country.
However, al-Sharaa believes that the Syrian people will not let the country descend into chaos and become a threat to the world. He stressed that the Syrian opposition is committed to building a democratic and inclusive society, where all citizens can live in peace and harmony.
«Our goal is to build a democratic Syria, where all people, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, can live together in peace. We want to create a country that is free from oppression and extremism,» al-Sharaa stated.
The rebel leader also addressed concerns about the potential for Syria to become another Afghanistan, a country that has been plagued by war and extremism for decades. Al-Sharaa dismissed these fears, stating that Syria is a different situation altogether.
«Syria is not Afghanistan. We have a strong and educated population who are determined to build a better future for themselves and their children. We will not let our country become a battleground for foreign powers or a haven for terrorist groups,» al-Sharaa asserted.
The Syrian conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of urgent aid. The international community has been divided on how to address the crisis, with some countries supporting the Syrian government and others supporting the opposition.
In light of recent events, al-Sharaa called on the international community to support the Syrian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. He stressed that the Syrian opposition is not asking for military intervention, but rather for political and humanitarian support.
«We are not asking for foreign armies to come and fight our battles. We are asking for the world to stand with us and support our cause. We need political and humanitarian aid to help us rebuild our country and create a better future for all Syrians,» al-Sharaa stated.
In conclusion, al-Sharaa’s statement serves as a reminder that the Syrian people are not the enemy, but rather victims of a brutal regime. He believes that with the support of the international community, Syria can overcome its current challenges and emerge as a stable and democratic nation. The world must listen to the voices of the Syrian people and stand with them in their quest for a better future.
