Interview by Abdullah Raja; Translation by Dani Murad
(Zaman Al Wasl)- The Muslim Brotherhood, one of the most important political parties in Syria since 1950s, and the much persecuted group since the days of Hafez al-Assad following Hama uprising of 1982. Whether we agree or disagree with them, this organization may be the most cohesive and united group amid opposition isolated islands.
Stories of “One Thousand and One Nights” were heard everywhere about this organization, and even the Syrian opposition itself talked about their opportunistic methodology, exploitation, manipulative side, and secretive deals, and despite meeting with the Muslim Brotherhood on the same table many times, once these meetings finish, opposition’s figures begin backstabbing them in closed rooms, but eventually they seek the organization’s allegiance due to its major impact on the coalition.
Syrian Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Leader, Mohammad Riad al-Shaqfa showed no resentment of what Zaman Al Wasl has published, on the contrary, he revealed to the newspaper the organization’s current plan, in regard to the Syrian opposition and the regional matters ,and despite our provocative attempts, he never insulted ,accused or detracted anyone’s right , and “Abu Hazem” only spoke appropriately as the official representative of the group, and the details of the interview as follow:
- There are 27 candidates for the government, what is your opinion of this huge number, what it means to you, and who is your candidate?
Our policy is based on compatibility, and consensus agreements were possible, had it not been for the polarizing policies and foreign interventions. Ahmad Tomeh was unfairly treated, and we hope this injustice can be lifted, because he is the right person for the current stage.
The dismissal of Ahmad Tohme’s government was a dramatic move. What’s your stance of that, and is it true that you have become in the opposite side of Jarba?
Despite our support to Jarba, he acted without consulting us in the government’s matter, and if there is a failure in the government, this is part of human nature, and it was possible to correct it through advice and guidance.
- How do you evaluate the performance during Ahmad Jarba’s presidency, and what do you except from the new president Hadi Al Bahra?
We have no problem with Jarba himself, in fact we appreciate his role as an opponent to Assad’s regime and the efforts he excreted, however, during his two terms of presidency, he was unable to unite the different groups of opposition, acting individually and consulting no one, therefore we hope Bahra benefits from past mistakes and be able to comprehend the national mosaic that constitutes Syria, in the face of dangers and challenges besetting the country and to stay away from individualism and resort to participatory and consultation with others.
- How much of an influence has the Gulf and international community on the coalition?
There are foreign interferences known for those who abide by it, but not for us, we have an independent decision, but we benefit from our friends ‘advice without being obliged by it. The Khaliji polarization has a major impact on the coalition; however, there was lack of seriousness from the international community in supporting the Syrian people.
- 3years of war have proven that overthrowing the regime military is semi-impossible, why don’t you accept a transitional stage with Al Assad to avoid the country further killing and destruction… especially when you always talk about the international community’s slackening?
After all the crimes committed by al-Assad, the Syrian people refuse the continuity of his rule under any circumstances and whatever the sacrifices, Assad’s survival in power is the worst solutions. The Syrian people decided to rely on God and then on themselves, especially after the betrayal of the international community.
- There is a real question raised amid the Syrian conflict… “Who is the alternative?” after the spread of extremism, chaos and destruction of more than half of the country. Many Arab and Foreigners do not trust the opposition as an alternative government to Assad?
The betrayal of the international community and its silence on regime’s crimes led to extremism, if the international community abided by its principles of human rights and freedom and intervened to stop regime’s crimes and the killing of civilians with explosive barrels, which it’s totally capable of that, Syrians will face no problem in finding the appropriate alternative.
- If the regime accepted you as a “coalition" in a unified government ... what is the stance of the Muslim Brotherhood?
There are conditions for any agreement, first: to stop cities’ bombardment , the removal of Bashar al-Assad and those around him, of criminals and army leaders who practiced murder and terrorism against the Syrian people, then it will be possible to establish a unified Syrian national identity for all Syrians .
- After establishing “ Waaed” party with the participation of Christian figures, some say that Muslim Brotherhood are hiding behind it by introducing non-Muslim personalities .. What do you say?
We don’t hide ourselves or our principles and our ideas are clear to everyone, we are all sons of one country that we want to save, and every citizen has the same rights and obligations and we cooperate with everyone.
- Where are the centers of this party now, what is its activity, and why it’s important?
The party has close centers to the Syrian border and has activity within the Syrian immigrants, and right now can’t establish centers inside Syria because of the bombardment, and this question can be directed to the leadership of the party, since they’re more knowledgeable in their affairs.
- How will you deal with Saudi Arabia's decision of considering the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, and what is the future of your leadership which is based in the kingdom, have you been exposed to any accountability?
Obviously, our brothers in Saudi Arabia have been provided with incorrect information about us, the Brotherhood served and contributed in the welfare of the Kingdome, and never interfered in its internal affairs, and that the case in any country that embraces the organization.
The Saudi government never held any member of the Muslim Brotherhood accountable or deported him, which is highly appreciated by us. We share many issues with the Saudi brothers, especially amid the circumstances that face the Arab nation and the distorted ideas about Islam.
- How do you achieve compatibility between your role in the opposition and coalition, and the opposition’s relation to Saudi Arabia and the kingdom’s stance toward Muslim Brotherhood?
There is no contradiction between the two matters.
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