Syria > Assad had two lifelines and refused them both just before his fall

 

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Anneke de Laaf

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In Kommersant: WP reported on Assad's refusal of US proposal

to distance himself from Iran and offer to strengthen his power

Weeks before the Islamist offensive, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected a U.S.-proposed deal that would have cemented his hold on power, Syrian diplomat Bassam Barabandi told The Washington Post . Reuters sources reported discussions of the deal a week ago.

As Bassam Barabandi told WP, ​​the US proposal was sent to Bashar al-Assad via the UAE and was as follows: American sanctions against him would be lifted, and Damascus, in return, would deprive Tehran of the opportunity to supply Lebanese Hezbollah with weapons through Syrian territory.

Five Reuters sources said the U.S. and UAE had been discussing the option for months, with talks intensifying as sanctions on Bashar al-Assad expire on Dec. 20. The terms included distancing the Syrian president from Iran and cutting off Hezbollah's arms supply line. All talks took place before the anti-government offensive began.

WP calls Bashar al-Assad's refusal to normalize relations with Turkey "more fatal" mistake. Three days ago, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the "opposition march" would continue without incident. At the same time, he emphasized that he had contacted Bashar al-Assad and offered to "determine the future of Syria together," but had not received a positive response.

It's a bit astonishing that within days of refusing America's deal, an autocratic government of more than 50 years fell.

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