Assad’s cousin says Alawite community in Syria faces destruction
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, said on Wednesday that the path pursued by Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal is leading the Alawite community toward destruction and the unknown.
In a video statement, Makhlouf warned that there are individuals driving the Alawite community into an uncertain future, calling on members of the community to place their trust in him.
Makhlouf added that calling for federalism without a force capable of protecting it is meaningless.
He described Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal’s approach as posing “a real danger,” stating that “the course he is taking is extremely dangerous and leads the community toward ruin. I urge you not to take the Alawites to a point of no return.”
Makhlouf also questioned the legitimacy of religious leadership in political decision-making, saying, “The Alawites fought extremist groups and ruled Syria for sixty years, how can we now follow a religious figure?”
Makhlouf asserted that the Alawite community would play a central role in Syria’s future, saying they will participate in governing Syria and will be among the core components of the Syrian army.
He added that he remained in Syria during the rule of Bashar and his family so that he could stay by their side.
Makhlouf also pointed to Russia as the community’s main backer, stating: “Our support and strength lie with the Russian Federation.”