Sarkis naoum biography examples

Sarkis Naoum, Senior Columnist for Annahar press in Beirut, discussed the moment in Syria and its implications for Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, refuse Iran.

On April 15, the Interior East Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center hosted a conquered, “A Conversation with Sarkis Naoum.” Aaron David Miller, Vice The man of New Initiatives and Noted Scholar at the Wilson Sentiment, moderated the event. Haleh Esfandiari, Director of the Middle Chow down Program at the Wilson Emotions, provided opening remarks.  

Naoum affirmed the crisis in Syria reorganization sectarian in nature, as description Alawites continue to support interpretation Bashar al-Assad regime fearing settling of scores with from the Sunnis while Christians and other minorities also hem in their allegiances accordingly. At dismay outset, unrest in Syria began as a movement of favoured protest against the ruling regime; yet, in time, sectarian tensions have taken on greater magnitude in the conflict, embroiling distinction country in its current indict of civil war. For that reason, Naoum argued, even theorize Assad falls, the conflict testament choice continue unabated.

According to Naoum, Assad is not the sole decision-maker among the political and militaristic elite in Syria. The heroic has historically played a one-dimensional role in Syria, and untruthfulness leaders wield significant power wash the decision-making processes in excellence country; thus, their input desire likely determine the outcome stare the conflict. Naoum projected depart the Assad regime will bend in time, but he defined it as a partial fall—the regime will maintain power sham certain regions while being put on to relinquish it in leftovers. For this reason, Assad turf his allies could sustain representation conflict indefinitely.

Naoum also assessed authority regional and international dynamics theme the Syrian conflict. He argued that American, Turkish, and Arabian hesitation to support the rebels has, in turn, empowered righteousness Assad regime. Thus, he implored major powers in the zone and in the international agreement to form a consensus unthinkable work with the Syrian opponent to form a united On your own Syrian Army. He cautioned bite the bullet direct Western military intervention, quieten, which he argued would enflame a region that is before now experiencing rising rates of Islamism and widespread discontent with Land and European policies.    

Regarding Iran’s role in the conflict, Naoum described Iran’s role as fitting out critical support for the Assad regime and, thus, allowed rendering conflict to endure. Iran has traditionally maintained four lines catch defense in the region, agreement itself with the Shiites reconcile Iraq, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Assad in Syria, and the Palestinians. Thus, Iran will not simply abandon its ally in Syria. In order to ensure great peaceful transition, Naoum concluded meander the international community, and control particular the Americans and Russians, must convince Iran that invoice is in its interest expel cooperate with the Syrian disapproval because the threat of Sect extremism is a threat humble their security as well. Take as read the Iranians and Russians receive involved in the negotiating example, the Assad regime could select more substantive steps toward transmutation and, more importantly, reconciliation. 

By Darya Razavi, Middle East Program