Ali Shakori-rad, Iranian political reformist— who was detained in 2010 for supporting Mir-Hossein Mousavi but was later released with intercession of a grand Mullah in Qom—believes that Bashar Assad’s survival is uncertain, there is a probability as to dissolution of Syria, and it is also possible that Russia and Turkey might set Iran aside from Syria peace talks.
Ali Shakori-rad, chairperson of “Millat Union,” said that it was better for Iran to create better and stronger ties with Saudi Arabia and countries of the Gulf region, instead of taking side with Assad and interfering in Syria’s civil war.
Shakori-rad said that if Syrian government changes, Iran, due to its unsparing support for Bashar Assad, will lose its chance of having relationship with the alternative government in Syria: “If [Russia and Syria] reach an agreement to remove Assad from power, we will have no place or position in Syria, and all our expenses will be wasted. Even if the result of all expenses was keeping Bashar Assad [in power], his survival is uncertain.”
“Millat Union,” chairperson continued that if Iran had defended people’s demands and had tried to make adjustments and reforms in Assad’s government instead of supporting Bashar Assad, it would not have put its strategic alliance with Syria at risk: “If Iran’s role in these tensions had remained as a medium to make adjustments in the government and realize people’s demands, so any group other than Bashar Assad gain power, it would have been unlikely to violate strategic alliance with Iran.”
He warned that one shouldn’t be very content with Russia’s games stressing, “We must have a constructive relationship with Saudi Arabia, and if such a dialogue takes place, there will be more influence and hope in the Islamic world.”
Shakori-rad predicted that Russia and Turkey will soon reach an agreement over Assad and formation of a temporary government in this country. This reformist politician warned that if under such conditions, Iran continues to support Assad, it will face “costly challenges.”
Radio Zamaneh
