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Jordan's King Abdullah Calls On Syria's President Assad to Step Down
14-Nov-2011
Jordan's king has become the first Arab leader to openly say Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand down. King Abdullah's comments came in an exclusive BBC interview (Related BBC News Here) Recommended Readings: Basharal-Assad: Syria's unintended président (CNN) Jordan's king on Syria's president: 'I would step down' (CNN)
Lyse Doucet of the BBC Reports :
King Abdullah's remarks, coupled with the Arab League's decision to suspend Damascus, mark a turning point in the Arab world's approach to Syria.
But Jordan's monarch was emphatic that President Assad stepping down was not enough. His call to the Syrian leader was about changing a "system". He admitted that no-one was clear how to do that, and the Syrian regime still believed it was "in a fairly comfortable position".
King Abdullah, like many others, also emphasised there was great concern about "life after Bashar". He warned that any outside intervention in Syria would open "Pandora's box".
The relationship between two Arab leaders, seen as a new generation when they took over from their fathers, has been under growing strain. But King Abdullah said he still believed the Syrian leader had "reform in his blood". He had reached out to him earlier this year, even if, as he admitted, Jordan was not "by any means... a perfect story".
Jordan King Say’s Assad Must Step Down:
HM KING ABDULLAH has become the first Arab leader to demand that President Bashar al-Assad of Syria should step down. UN sources say more than 3,500 citizens have died since the crackdown on protests began in March 2011
Nisreen El-Shamayleh on Jordan's call for Syria's Assadto step down (AlJazeera English):
Speaking to an international newsagency, Jordan's King Abdullah has called for Bashar al-Assad, the president ofSyria, to step down in the interest ofthe Syrian people. Jordan has beencritical of its northern neighbour Syria's crackdown on anti-governmentprotesters in recent months. The latest statements will have profound effectsfor Jordan-Syria relations. Al Jazeera's Nisreen el-Shamayleh reports fromAmman.
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ROYAL DYNASTY VS PRESIDENTIAL DYNASTY
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Jordan 1980:
Archive Footage on Jordan andits relationship in the Middle East. Ofcourse, King Hussein is featured in it. There is talks with Isreal, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Colonel al-Gaddafi, United States, and the USSR
Syria 1980:
Archive Footage of President Hafez al-Assad talking with Middle Eastern Leaders and Soviet Union President Leonid Brezhnev. Some of the Middle Eastern Leaders include Yasser Arafat and the Saudi Arabian royal family. There are also training clips of the Syrian Military.
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Jordan King: “Assad Must Step Down”
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Jordan's king has become the first Arab leader to openly say Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand down.
King Abdullah told the BBC that if he were in Mr Assad's position, he would make sure "whoever comes behind me has the ability to change the status quo".
He urged President Assad to begin talks on an orderly transition of power.
Many Arab leaders have condemned the crackdown on months of protests in Syria. Dozens of deaths are reported in the latest unrest on Monday.
Both the Saudi and Qatari ambassadors left Damascus in protest at the repression. The Arab League voted on Saturday to suspend Syria's membership.
However King Abdullah went further than other Arab leaders in his exclusive interview withBBC World News television.
"If Bashar has the interest of his country [at heart] he would step down, but he would also create an ability to reach out and start a new phase of Syrian political life," he said.
"That's the only way I would see it work and I don't think people are asking that question," he added.
King Abdullah warned there would be "more of the same" if whoever replaced President Assad did not change the status quo.
Defiance
Jordan, which borders Syria, has been increasingly critical of the crackdown on anti-government protesters. Many Western powers have urged President Assad to stand down.
Both the EU and the US have said he has lost legitimacy but have ruled out military intervention.
The European Union on Monday tightened sanctions on Syria.
EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels added 18 Syrian officials to a list of people affected by a travel ban and asset freeze.
The ministers also approved moves to prevent Syria getting funds from the European Investment Bank. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said he hoped the UN would finally impose its own sanctions on Syria. Russia and China last month vetoed a Western-sponsored resolution condemning Damascus.
Earlier on Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem reacted defiantlyto the Arab League's suspension. He said the decision was illegal and vowed to overcome "conspiracies" against Damascus.
The Arab League is set to hold another meeting to discuss Syria on Wednesday.
Russia on Monday condemned the suspension. "Someone really does not want the Syrians to agree among themselves," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow. In the latest violence, the Local Co-ordination Committees - a network of opponents to President Assad's rule - said 40 people had been killed on Monday, including 20 in the restive southern province of Deraa.
There are also reports that about 20 members of the security forces were killed in a clash with defectors from the Syrian army. Such claims are impossible to verify as the Syrian government has severely restricted access for foreign journalists.
The UN says more than 3,500 people have died since the start of the protests in March while the Syrian authorities blame the violence on terrorists.
Related Blog:
Jordan's King Warns: 'No one has any idea what to do about Syria'
Other Related Blogs on Jordan:
Jordan's King Abdullah II Names International Judge As New Prime Minister
Jordan’s King Abdullah Welcomes Reform Plans Amidst Regional Unrest
Jordan's King Abdullah II announces sweeping reforms
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: Jordan's King Abdullah II takes You on a Royal Tour
AXIS OF COOPERATION: Egypt, Jordan and Iran working with US in 1950s
STUBBORN WALLS:Ben Gurion, Hussein, Nasser interviews on ME Peace Process
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Jordan's king calls Syria attack 'a tremendous blow' to al-Assad
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jul 19, 2012 02:02 AM PDTJordan reaction (cnn, VIDEO)
(CNN) -- Jordan's King Abdullah II, one of the first Arab leaders to call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, told CNN the attack on Wednesday that killed members of al-Assad's inner circle is a "tremendous blow to the regime."
But the king cautioned that he did not think the attack meant al-Assad's regime was about to crumble immediately.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Vladimir Putin arrives in Jordan for talks with king
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jun 27, 2012 03:01 AM PDTVladimir Putin arrives in Jordan for talks with king | NDTV.com
Dead Sea, Jordan: Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks on Tuesday with Jordan's King Abdullah II as part of a Middle East tour aimed at boosting Moscow regional role.Mr Putin, who arrived in Jordan from the occupied West bank, will meet with the king on the shores of Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley, officials said.
During his one-day visit, Mr Putin is also set to open a guesthouse for Christian pilgrims in Jordan.
Talks between Mr Putin and the king are expected to focus on Middle East peace efforts as well as the unrest in Syria.
In the West Bank, Mr Putin met with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas during a stop in Bethlehem on a brief trip, a day after a stop in Israel where he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.Jordan King Calls for Preventing 'Civil War' in Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jun 24, 2012 04:02 PM PDTJordan King Calls for Preventing 'Civil War' in Syria — Naharnet
King Abdullah II of Jordan, whose country borders Syria and hosts a large number of refugees, expressed concern Wednesday about the implications of the Syrian crisis for the region as a whole.
"The window for a solution is narrowing and all should be on the alert to prevent the crisis from sliding into a civil war," the king told pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat.
Jordan has tightened border controls to prevent loyalists of Syrian President Bashar Assad from infiltrating into the kingdom, an official of the opposition Syrian National Council said on Tuesday.
Jordan King to Host Putin next tuesday
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Jun 24, 2012 03:59 PM PDTJordan King ( to Host Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Jordan next Tuesday, June 26, for talks with Jordanian King Abdullah II. The leaders will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including political changes and the violence in Syria.The Jordan Royal House said in a statement that the talks between the two leaders will focus on recent developments and political changes that have taken place in the Middle East, and in the peace process between Palestinians and Israel. The meeting will also take stock of the so-called Arab Spring, including the bloody conflict that has afflicted Syria since March 2011.
Russia, along with China, is one of the leading proponents of the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and hindered the adoption of any resolutions against Assad’s regime in the UN Security Council, where the two countries hold veto power.
Putin is also scheduled to attend the official ceremony of inauguration of the Russian Pilgrimage House located on Maghtas, on the east bank of the River Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized according to Jordan. The 40-room guest house was built on a 10-dunum plot of land donated by His Majesty King Abdullah and financed by the Russian government, which will be managed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Syria jet pilot defects to Jordan and granted political assylum
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jun 21, 2012 08:24 AM PDTSyria jet pilot defects to Jordan (bbc)
A Syrian fighter plane has landed at a military air base in the north of Jordan and the pilot has been granted political asylum, officials say.
Jordan's Minister of Information Samih al-Maaytah had said earlier the MiG-21 pilot was being debriefed.
Syrian state TV said a fighter plane, flown by an air force colonel, had gone missing during a training mission.
Meanwhile violence continues to prevent Red Cross teams from moving civilians out of the old city of Homs.
Fleeing to Jordan
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Mar 14, 2012 05:18 AM PDTFleeing to Jordan (bbc)
There is mounting pressure on the Syrian government to suspend its attacks and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged towns of Homs, Deraa and Idlib. As government forces continue their bombardment of opposition held towns, thousands of Syrians have fled the fighting into neighbouring countries, including Jordan, from where Wyre Davies reports.
Traumatised Syrians flee to Jordan to escape fighting
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Feb 24, 2012 04:40 AM PSTSyria: Civilian 'ordered to shoot protesters' (BBC, VIDEO)
There's mounting pressure on the Syrian government, and opposition forces, to call a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged towns of Homs, Daraa and Idlib.
As government forces continue their bombardment of opposition held towns, thousands of Syrians have fled the fighting into neighbouring countries including Jordan.
The BBC's Wyre Davies reports from the border.
Syrian Refugees Seek safety in Jordan
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:34 AM PSTSeeking safety in Jordan (bbc)
There is mounting pressure on the Syrian government to suspend its attacks and allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged towns of Homs, Deraa and Idlib. As government forces continue their bombardment of opposition held towns, thousands of Syrians have fled the fighting into neighbouring countries, including Jordan, from where Wyre Davies reports.
Jordan to deploy Patriot batteries on Syria border
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Feb 23, 2012 03:57 PM PSTReport: Jordan to deploy Patriot batteries on Syria border
Jordan plans to station four Patriot air defense batteries near its border with Syria to protect itself in the event of a Syrian aerial attack, a European defense expert told French daily Le Figaro.
According to the report, Jordan will purchase the batteries from Germany. The expert said the stationing of Patriot batteries near the Jordan-Syria border would be in Israel's interest. (Ynet)Jordan's Prince Hassan urges Syrian talks
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Feb 16, 2012 01:56 PM PSTPrince Hassan urges Syrian talks (BBC, VIDEO)
Prince El Hassan of Jordan has told the BBC there is a danger of Syria "subdividing" along its various ethnic and religious lines, with each group "afraid for their own future".
Speaking to George Alagiah, he called for "heavyweight diplomacy" to draw attention to the opposition within Syria, and said "a conversation has to be held" between the Syrian authorities and all opposition groups.
Banning iPhones! Droids are allowed? Syria loosing it!
by Esfand Aashena on Mon Dec 05, 2011 05:23 AM PSTThis seems to be a desparate act of a regime on the verge of collapse! Like when Shah said he "has heard your revolutionary sound" yet Assad is saying I heard you but Yuck Fou all!
He wants to be like his daddy killing 20,000 but he is having trouble killing with a mere 4,000 without the world knowing about it so he wants to ban "iPhones" so he can break his daddy's record! What an arsehole! His days are numbered.
Everything is sacred
Syria faces fresh Arab ultimatum
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Dec 04, 2011 02:03 AM PSTSyria faces fresh Arab ultimatum (bbc)
Damascus faces a new Sunday deadline to accept Arab League proposals to allow foreign observers, as violence continues in Syria.
Syria 'bans iPhones' amid unrest
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Dec 03, 2011 02:36 AM PSTSyria 'bans iPhones' amid unrest (bbc)
Many of the images showing anti-government protests in Syria have come from amateur footage posted on the internet.
Syria has banned the iPhone, reports say, as the government tries to control information getting out of the country.
In a statement apparently issued by the customs department of the Syrian finance ministry and seen by Lebanese and German media, the authorities "warn anyone against using the iPhone in Syria".
The order also apparently prohibits the import of iPhones.
The UN believes 4,000 people have been killed in Syria since March.
France ups security for Syrian opposition leaders
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Dec 02, 2011 03:44 PM PSTFrance ups security for Syrian opposition leaders (France 24)
French authorities will afford closer protection to Syrian opposition members, including the opposition council’s Paris-based leader Burhan Ghalioun, the Interior Minister Claude Gueant (photo) announced Friday.
Syrian Opposition: Syria Would Cut Iran Ties if Assad Toppled
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Dec 02, 2011 09:16 AM PSTOpposition: Syria Would Cut Iran Ties (Wall Street Journal)
A Syrian government run by the country's main opposition group would cut Damascus's military relationship to Iran and end arms supplies to Middle East militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, said Burhan Ghalioun, the president of the Syrian National Council.
Syria unrest: UN rights chief calls for 'urgent' action
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Dec 02, 2011 09:02 AM PSTCall for 'urgent' action on Syria (bbc)
The UN's human rights chief has called for "urgent" action to protect civilians in Syria, as the Human Rights Council began emergency talks.
Speaking in Geneva, Navi Pillay called for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
A report for the UN earlier this week said security forces had committed crimes against humanity in Syria.
The UN body called an urgent session in light of the findings.
The BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Geneva says the Human Rights Council does not have the power to impose sanctions, but it does have moral authority.Former Vice President calls for Assad to go
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Dec 01, 2011 01:41 AM PSTTurkey imposes sanctions on Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Nov 30, 2011 07:19 AM PSTTurkey imposes sanctions on Syria (bbc)
Turkey's foreign minister announces sanctions on Syria over its crackdown on protests, saying Syrian leaders have reached "the end of the road".
More Than 250 Children Among Syria's Dead, U.N. Says
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Nov 30, 2011 07:17 AM PSTMore Than 250 Children Among Syria's Dead, U.N. Says - WSJ.com
UNITED NATIONS—More than 250 children have been killed as Syria's regime battled the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, a U.N. commission said in a report that details arbitrary detentions, torture, sexual violence and violation of children's rights by Syrian authorities.
"Children were also tortured, some to death," said the U.N. Human Rights Council's report, released Monday in Geneva. As of Nov. 9, it said, "256 children had been killed by state forces."
The report, ordered in September, represents the U.N.'s most detailed examination to date of alleged human-rights violations in Syria since March. It is based on interviews with 223 people, whom it identifies as escaped victims of abuse as well as witnesses, including army and police defectors who have fled Syria.
"One military defector stated that he decided to defect after witnessing the shooting of a 2-year-old girl in Al Ladhiqiyah on 13 August by an officer who affirmed that he did not want her to grow into a demonstrator," the report says.
"The details are appalling," said Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. "Among the commission's findings are evidence of systemic government support for the rape and torture of children. The world can now clearly see what boundaries the Assad regime is willing to cross to retain its grip on power."
The Syrian government didn't comment on the report.
Russia
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Tue Nov 29, 2011 08:57 AM PSTDear Darius do you believe Russia is in any position to "save" Assad. I know they got their veto power. But West does not need UN approval to act. Is it good if Assad is gone. This is my analysis:
Russia urges end to Syria threats
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Nov 29, 2011 07:23 AM PSTRussia urges end to Syria threats (bbc)
Russia's foreign minister says no more ultimatums should be issued to Syria, a day after the west says more action is needed to end the violence.
UN finds Syrian 'crimes against humanity'
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Nov 28, 2011 08:13 AM PSTUN finds Syrian 'crimes against humanity' (bbc)
Syria's security forces committed "crimes against humanity" in their crackdown on anti-government protesters, a UN report says.
France's FM Juppé say's: "Syrian government days 'numbered'
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Nov 28, 2011 02:56 AM PSTSyrian government days 'numbered' (bbc)
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has said time is running out for the Syrian leader after the Arab League agreed sanctions against Damascus over its crackdown on pro-democracy protests.
The league approved unprecedented sanctions on Sunday, including an asset freeze and an embargo on investments.
The Syrian foreign minister is due to hold a news conference later.
The UN says at least 3,500 people have died in the crackdown on protests which have been going since March.
The government of President Bashar al-Assad blames the violence on armed gangs and militants.
Mr Juppe told French radio the days of the Syrian government were "numbered" as it was "totally isolated".
"Things are going slowly unfortunately... but they are advancing since the Arab League, which carries considerable political weight, has just decided on some sanctions which will isolate the Syrian regime a bit more," Mr Juppe said.
Sanctions 'a tough step' on Syria
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Nov 27, 2011 09:54 AM PSTSanctions 'a tough step' on Syria (VIDEO BBC)
The Arab League has approved sanctions against Syria, including an asset freeze and an embargo on investments.
The move comes after months of anti-government protests in which the UN estimates about 3,500 people have died.
League foreign ministers adopted the unprecedented sanctions at a meeting in Cairo by a vote of 19 to three.
The BBC's Jon Leyne said the sanctions were a "tough step" against President Assad's government, which would have a significant economic impact.
Syria slowly inches towards civil war
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Nov 27, 2011 02:30 AM PSTRoad to civil war? (bbc)
The BBC's Paul Wood was smuggled into Homs were he met military defectors
11 civilians, including three children, Killed by Syria Security
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Nov 26, 2011 03:36 PM PSTAt least 11 civilians, including three children, were killed Saturday by security forces across Syria, an activist group said
Report: 11 civilians killed in Syria (CNN)
Syria defies Arab League deadline
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Nov 26, 2011 07:23 AM PSTSyria defies Arab League deadline (bbc)
An Arab League deadline for Syria to allow an observer mission or face sanctions has passed with no response from Damascus to the ultimatum.
The deadline was set for 11:00 GMT. Earlier, the league warned it would meet on Saturday to discuss sanctions.
The league wants 500 observers to enter Syria to monitor the situation amid continuing protests, but Damascus has reportedly agreed to let in only 40.
Meanwhile, new evidence has emerged of protests turning into armed insurgency.
The BBC's Paul Wood, who travelled without permission to Syria's flashpoint city of Homs, reports that he saw a small but steady stream of defectors from the official security forces.
"Battle for Syria" on 3 fronts
by Rea on Fri Nov 25, 2011 02:23 AM PSTDamascus, Teheran, Moscow.
Arab League, Ankara.
Washington, Paris, London.
Where do Syrians (not Damascus) stand, what are their aspirations, hard to say really. For there is so much propaganda from all sides.
PS. appreciate your running these blogs, DK. A bit like a sounding board. ;o)
Syria faces Arab League deadline
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Nov 25, 2011 12:11 AM PSTSyria faces Arab League deadline (bbc)
Syria is a few hours away from a deadline to allow Arab League observers into the country, or face possible sanctions, as a months-long crackdown continues.
UN to consider Syria resolution
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:12 AM PSTUN to consider Syria resolution (bbc)
Britain, France and Germany ask the United Nations human rights committee to pass a resolution condemning Syrian violence against opposition protesters.
Tuesday's vote in the human rights committee of the General Assembly would carry moral but not legal weight.
Meanwhile, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Syria's president to step down to avoid further bloodshed.
The call came as Syrian activists said four children were killed on Tuesday by shots fired from a military checkpoint.
In the latest violence, the Local Coordination Committees, an activist network, said four children, between the ages of 10 and 15, were killed by gunshots fired at random from a military checkpoint near the town of Houla, in the restive Homs province. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported two teenagers and one child shot dead in the same incident.