Officials Must Talk Transparently with the People About Syria

Based on a report by Tabnak, the deputy chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament said, “With regard to its strategic situation, Syria is linked to the interests of the Islamic Republic and this is a defined and determined fact. There are two issues that should be separated from each other. The first issue is that, considering the strategic situation of the region, our interests necessitate an active diplomacy with regard to Syria. The second issue is that reforms must be made within the Syrian systems and we believe that both issues are being conducted in that country.” 

“Currently, conditions in Syria are such that one country must stand against many countries. This is while the US, Western countries and their allies are determined to bring Syria to its knees in the Middle East so that they will be able to exert more pressure on Iran and Iraq. Therefore, the interests of the Islamic Republic necessitate a more serious involvement in Syria.”

“Right now, the situation in Syria is more or less calm, as the government has been able to completely cleanse Damascus from the terrorists and rioters. Syrian forces are now moving to prevent Aleppo from becoming another Benghazi, something foreign forces look to achieve.” 

“We should make all our efforts to prevent the fall of the Syrian government. But even if this happens, Iran will not lose all of its strategic positions.”

“Regarding the issue of Syria, the officials must speak with transparency. People have the right to know why Syria is important for Iran and what our interests in that country are. All these cases, consequences and different conditions must be explained to the people.”

“Unfortunately, we have one major fault and that is that we do not speak frankly with people with regard to different issues. Although our system is a popular system, sometimes we forget that these people are the backbone of the regime.”

“Anyway, Syria must not be defeated, but if that does happen, we should have in mind other solutions to be able to maintain our strategic position in that country, meaning that the Foreign Ministry must think of other alternatives.”