- GatesofVienna: Bashar al-Assad: If You Want the Truth, Look to the Alternative Media
The following interview with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was conducted by a group of French reporters. Mr. Assad was asked questions in English, and answered in English. However, the French channel that released the interview included only an on-screen French translation of the questions. In this video, the questions have been translated back into English and superimposed over the French versions.
Regardless of one’s opinion of the Assad regime, Mr. Assad’s answers are lucid, clear, intelligent, and informative. Instead of reading what the mainstream media have to say about Bashar al-Assad, listen to what he has to say for himself.
And there’s at least one place I absolutely agree with him: “French politics harmed the French interests.”
NOTE: One of the eleven questions asked of Mr. Assad was accidentally repeated in the English titles. Look at #9 in the transcript of the questions to read the text of the correct question (which should have been at about 8:45 in the video).
Many thanks to Ava Lon for translating the questions:
- video link
Transcript of the questions:
1. 00:01 You have just met the French delegation. Do you think that this can influence French policy?
2. 01:20 You say that the recovery of Aleppo is a major victory for Syria. How do you feel about the thousands of victims and the massive destruction in the city?
3. 02:52 But was the bombing of the neighborhoods of Aleppo the only way to get the town back?
4. 03:03 A ceasefire has been agreed upon. Why does the Syrian army continue to strike in the Damascus-area village of Wadi Barada?
5. 05:04 The talks will take place at the end of the month in Astana. What concessions are you prepared to negotiate with the opposition in order for peace to return to Syria?
6. 06:00 Are you ready to discuss even your office as president?
7. 06:48 What will be the fate of the rebels?
8. 07:20 The French presidential elections will take place in a few months. Do you have a preference for one of the candidates?
9. 08:41 The candidate François Fillon would re-establish the dialogue with Syria. Could his election could change the situation?
10. 09:13 Is there a message you would like to address to France?
11. 10:32 Donald Trump was elected president of the United States and wishes to talk with Russia, which is one of your major allies. Do you think this could change the US position on Syria?