News and Commentary: On Bashar al-Assad’s Speech Before the People’s Assembly

The Syrian regime’s media outlets broadcasted a televised speech by the Syrian regime’s president yesterday, dated 2024/08/05, before the “People’s Assembly” in the heart of the Syrian capital, Damascus, where he presented his new visions for nearly 60 minutes.

Syrian Future Movement’s Comment:

Bashar al-Assad’s appearance yesterday put an end to all speculations about the reasons for his absence from the Syrian scene.

Regarding the internal Syrian affairs, his instructions to the People’s Assembly dominated his speech, with a notable focus on changing the economic doctrine and the need to seek solutions for the economic deterioration, even if they are flawed.

As for external matters, he briefly mentioned Gaza and courted the resistance axis after talks of a rift with them. He also discussed Turkish relations, stating that there are no preconditions for dialogue with Ankara and affirmed his openness to common grounds with Turkey, particularly on issues like terrorism and refugees.

As expected, he overlooked the core of the Syrian tragedy, ignoring:

• The stance on the Syrian opposition in general.
• The stance on the de facto authorities outside his control, though he hinted at the absence of state sovereignty in the Golan, implying that the loss of sovereignty is not essential!
• The international coalition forces and did not address the relationship with East Euphrates (SDF).
• The refugee issue, neither closely nor remotely, except for placing it in the context of dialogue with the Turks, which is the greatest tragedy for our people.
• The clear disregard for the Suwayda movement and the resurgence of violence in Daraa.

We, in the Syrian Future Movement, interpret Assad’s omission of any mention of the Syrian opposition and the necessity of opening a new page with them as a sign of his continued indifference to the current divisions, even his satisfaction with them. He appears ready to focus solely on his areas of sovereignty without concern for the lands or people outside his control.

Assad’s speech proved that he is incapable of transitioning Syria to a comprehensive political solution, as there is a lack of a genuine vision for this solution.