Statement by Bashar al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, on February 17, 2020.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJTpp5dZ2p4
Translation: resistancenews.org
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stated that the Liberation of the city of Aleppo did not mean the end of the war, the fall of enemy plans, the end of terrorism, or the surrender of enemies, but that it certainly meant that they had bitten the dust, as a prelude to their complete defeat which will inevitably occur sooner or later.
Transcript:
O our noble and honorable families of Aleppo.
(I send you my sincere) greetings (in recognition) of (your) steadfastness and (your) perseverance. (I send you) greetings of faith in God and in the nation. (I send you) greetings of courage and sacrifice. Our Syrian Arab Army brings you all these greetings via the sacrifices of its fighters.
When the city of Aleppo was liberated at the end of 2016, I declared that what would follow the Liberation of the city of Aleppo would be radically distinct from what preceded, because it was a major turning point. I said this based on my knowledge of the hearts and the determination of our armed forces. I said this based on my certainty about the patriotism of the people of Aleppo and their loyalty to their homeland and to the national army. I firmly believed it would overturn enemy calculations.
This is what happened. Aleppo had to pay a big price for that, equal to the greatness of its people and the patriotism of its stance. Years of brutal and atrocious bombing have struck most neighborhoods, causing tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded, orphans, bereaved fathers and mothers, widows. Years of siege without water, electricity and other essentials for life (because the terrorists wanted) Aleppo to kneel and its children to surrender. And with each treacherous shell dropped (because terrorist groups were constantly violating ceasefire agreements), the hope of enemies increased so that Aleppo would become another Aleppo (at their image), another Aleppo that has never existed throughout History… (Our enemies aspired to an) Aleppo which would not form with its twin, Damascus, two wings by which the country can fly. On the contrary, they aspired to see a city of Aleppo whose children would line up alongside the traitors, kneeling and prostrating before their masters, begging for a few dollars and lots of shame. This is what they dreamed of.
But as for (what really happened in) our real world, with each enemy shell dropped, the fear was washed away and the will to face this challenge increased. With each martyr who rose (to heaven), the national spirit has grown and faith in the country has been deepened ever more. In our real world, the real Aleppo has remained: Aleppo with its history, its noble heritage and its authenticity. And because it is so, Aleppo’s people have not only resolved to resist through resilience, with what it means in terms of pain, suffering and crisis, but also through action, work and the initiative to produce and move forward, which continued throughout the years of the siege, despite conditions totally contrary to all economic logic. Despite everything, this city continued to contribute, even if it was in a minimal way, to the national economy, and I am convinced that this type of steadfastness and firmness, which reflects the solid will and the deeply rooted affiliation to the nation, is the one that will bring Aleppo out of the ashes of war to restore its natural and pioneering position in the economy of Syria.
It is true that the Liberation of Aleppo in 2016 did not achieve the desired security for the city at the time, and it remained exposed to shells of betrayal and cowardice (fired from Aleppo’s countrysidethat we finally liberated). And it is also true today that winning a battle does not mean winning a war, but it is the abstract military logic that is based on ends and results. Because as far as national logic is concerned, victory begins with the start of steadfastness, from the very first day. And with this logic, Aleppo triumphed, and Syria triumphed. We have all triumphed over the fear that they tried to sow in our hearts. We triumphed over the illusions they tried to instill in our minds. We have triumphed over disintegration, hatred, betrayal and all those who represent, possess and practice these evils.
However, we are fully aware that this Liberation does not mean the end of the war, the end of enemy plots, the end of terrorism, or the surrender of enemies. But it certainly means that they have bitten the dust, as a prelude to their total defeat which will inevitably occur sooner or later.
It also means that we must not rest idle, but prepare for the battles to come. As a result, the battle to liberate the Aleppo and Idlib countryside continues regardless of some empty sound bubbles coming from the north (vain threats from Erdogan), just as the battle continues to liberate all of Syrian soil, crush terrorism and achieve stability.
Our Syrian Arab Army will never fail to fulfill its national duties, and will only be what it has always been, namely an army drawn from the people and at the service of the people. In history, armies have only triumphed when their people have united with them in their battle, and when they themselves have united with the people in his vision and in defense of his cause. This is what we have seen in Aleppo and other Syrian cities: you have embraced the army and it has protected you, defended you and sacrificed for you.
Today, as we live moments of joy, we must remember that these moments were reached by years of pain, anguish and sorrow, of absence of our beloved ones who sacrificed their lives for the lives and happiness of others. And as we bow with reverence to the greatness of our martyrs and the wounded, it is our duty to bow respectfully to the greatness of their glorious families. If victory is to be dedicated, then it must be dedicated to them. If anyone has to take credit for it, then they have should take the credit.
I salute them for the children they have raised, and I salute their children for their sacrifices. I salute each of the heroes of our great army and behind them our auxiliary forces. I salute the resistance of their bodies in the cold and frost, while we are blessed with the benefits of heat and security (thanks to them).
I pay tribute to our brothers, friends and allies who stood alongside the army, shoulder to shoulder on the battlefields, and guardian eagles in the sky. Their blood mixed with the blood of our army for the land of Aleppo, Aleppo the faithful to its homeland, faithful to its history, which will not forget the blood of those who sacrificed for it, and which will become again what it was, and will be reborn even stronger.
O our beloved people of Aleppo, I congratulate you on this day which consecrates the victory of your determination, by which we will lead the greatest battle for the (re)construction of Aleppo. By the will of all Syrians, we will (re)build Syria and we will continue the Liberation (of all of our territory), with the Grace of God.
Peace be upon you, as well as God’s Mercy and Blessings.
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“Any amount counts, because a little money here and there, it’s like drops of water that can become rivers, seas or oceans…” Hassan Nasrallah
Great speech.
Can’t think of one as good since Putin in Munich a while ago.
jiri
Yes, great speech indeed. However, now that Assad has almost won, he will be facing the most dangerous period of the war. It was not meant for him to win, nor did NATO expect Russian involvement, which was a huge shock, not to mention Russian high tech. NATO applied every trick up it’s sleeve, from accusations that Assad was guilty of launching gas “attacks”, to support being given to “moderate” rebels, as if such people exist. NATO even attacked Syria on two occasions with cruise missiles, something it must have regretted, as Russian electronics and Syrian AA missiles made most of NATO’s cruise missiles impotent, no doubt boosting the prestige of Russian high tech.
Turkey is now the main star on the podium. However, it’s obvious that it’s leader – Erdogan – has a huge muddle in his head, living in the 21st century and incapable of forgetting the Ottoman years of the Middle Ages. He would like the best of both worlds, East and West. He would also like to dictate Ottoman decrees to both worlds, East and West. He has foolishly sent Turkish troops to Syria, thinking that they would perform as well as the Turkish Army of the Middle Ages did, which faced European feudal levies and kingdoms without strong, central control. The 5.000 men he sent to Syria amount to a brigade. Their moral is questionable. The Turkish military has introduced an exemption tax, where rich boys can pay to avoid military service, the same being left to poor boys. And the result ? The Turkish military cannot defeat the Kurds in Turkey, while their limited “achievement” in Syria was based on superior fire power, the use of their Air Force and backup from “moderate” rebels. The Kurds made limited retreats. As Scott Ritter, the former UN inspector has stated, Turkey is looking into a tactical defeat in Syria, the majority of it’s observation posts being encircled by the Syrian Arab Army. Erdogan would be wise to make a deal with Assad, and gracefully pull his troops back to Turkey.
This leaves the US military in northern Syria and their plundering of Syrian oil. Will the US pull out of Syria ? Out of Iraq ? Highly unlikely, unless extraordinary circumstances arise. Then, of course, we have the question of additional false flags being implemented, although Washington would be very foolish to repeat them, as only kids would believe them. The culmination in Syria is going to be very interesting indeed.
Yes, he is right and what he says is the truth. This is a great victory, well deserved, and hard fought. The war is not yet over, but the final victory will come.
Glory to the fighters of the Syrian Republic! Indeed, victory will come because the people are united fighting for it.
Syria has the right to defend itself.
Syrian Army with Russian help should attack NOW … strongly and mercilessly ..
To send clear message to Erdogan
Turkey faces strategic defeat in Idlib after failing to live up to its commitments on Syria
https://www.rt.com/op-ed/481197-turkey-idlib-syria-sochi-agreement/
“Under the terms of the so-called Sochi Agreement, Russia and Syria would forego offensive military operations in Idlib in exchange for Turkey enforcing so-called “disengagement zones”, where anti-regime forces would surrender their heavy weapons and fighters from designated terrorist organizations, such as Jolan’s HTS, would be disarmed and evacuated.
To support this effort, Turkey established a series of heavily armed “observation posts” throughout the “disengagement zones”. However, instead of disarming the FSA and evicting HTS, Turkey used the outposts as a deterrence for any renewed offensive action by Russia and the Syrian militaries. In short, Turkey failed to live up to virtually the totality of its commitments under Sochi. By the summer of 2019, both Russia and Syria decided that the ceasefire was no longer in effect, and renewed their offensive, targeting HTS forces dug in in and around the designated “disengagement zones.”
This offensive has succeeded in destroying or displacing tens of thousands of HTS fighters, resulting in numerous strategic towns being recaptured by the Syrian Army, along with vast swaths of territory. The Turkish forces in the observation posts were powerless to stop the offensive, and by February 2020, ten out of the twelve observation posts had been surrounded by the Syrian Army.
By failing to comply with its obligations under the Sochi agreement to disarm and disband HTS units operating inside Idlib province, Turkey opened the door for the current ongoing offensive action by forces belonging to Syria and Russia. By dispatching thousands of Turkish troops into Idlib, Erdogan was hoping neither Russia nor Syria would seek to escalate the fighting in Idlib to include force on force engagements with a NATO member. When a Russian military delegation, dispatched to the Turkish capital Ankara early last week, was not able to convince their Turkish counterparts to back down, Erdogan doubled down by deploying even more troops and equipment into Idlib, and threatening to forcefully expel the Syrian Army by month’s end if they did not cease their attacks.
The Syrian Army responded by surrounding even more Turkish military outposts, recapturing all of Aleppo from HTS and FSA forces, and driving deeper into HTS-held territory. Erdogan’s bluff had been effectively called. The Turks now find themselves in an impossible situation. In a desperate bid to isolate itself from HTS, the Turks ordered all FSA forces that had been dispatched to reinforce HTS-controlled territory to return to Turkish-controlled territory, effectively isolating HTS forces on the battlefield, where they have subsequently either been destroyed or forced to retreat deeper into what remains of their Idlib bastion.
For the Turkish troops still deployed inside Idlib, their situation has become increasingly perilous. Their numbers and dispositions preclude any chance of a meaningful defense of Idlib, even if the decision was made to engage the Russian Air Force and Syrian Army. The best the Turks can hope for at this juncture is a new ceasefire that allows its military forces in Idlib to be withdrawn safely with their honor intact. In any event, by aligning its interests with those of Jolani and HTS, in violation of the 2018 Sochi Agreement, Turkey has made its position in Idlib unsustainable both militarily and politically.”
Or, the remaining Turkish troops in their ”observation posts” might be used as a tripwire if they are accidentally shot at (or a false flag) and then Turkey calls on it’s NATO allies to invade Syria in Turkey’s ”defense”.
“the Turks ordered all FSA forces that had been dispatched to reinforce HTS-controlled territory to return to Turkish-controlled territory, effectively isolating HTS forces on the battlefield, where they have subsequently either been destroyed or forced to retreat deeper into what remains of their Idlib bastion”
This is what I was talking about in a comment a while ago: erdogan’s barking vs real orders.
Basically, erdogan ordered FSA to back off, so SAA & RuAF can finish off the head choppers.
This is what matters. Erdogan’s threats against SAA where just gaslighting for the crazies.
There are not three (China, Russia, Iran), but four: China, Russia, Iran, Syria.
“We have all triumphed over the fear that they tried to sow in our hearts. We triumphed over the illusions they tried to instill in our minds.”
This ^^^
So many times, article authors and commenters alike focus solely on what what Pompeo says, what Trump says… what THEY SAY.
Enough!
All the matters is what WE DECIDE. And by the determination in our hearts, WE WILL WIN.
👆👆THIS👆👆
I shamelessly copied your comment to my notebook for future use😳
Mark Sloboda…interesting
..thinks what remains of Idlib in Turkish occupation plus all the other groups…would become a frozen conflict with Turkish army and or proxies continually having a go at SAA. Sounds like the IDF model of operation . Sounds like Ukraine v Donbass situation too.Note big build up in north east Syria continues by USA via Iraq. UNSC squabbles again yesterday…trying to demonise Russia Syria as usual.. Also Estonia plus the usuals incl UK Germany France Belgium Ukraine Poland demonising Russia for still supporting Donbas…breaking Minsk…taking Crimea etc…starting ww2.
Of course all the usual lies by Kiev re recent incursions made by them in recent days.
Meanwhile video of a USA army vhicle trying to run a Russian one of the road …only going to become more frequent or even more confrontational surely. I have not seen any news of responses by UNSC security members to Russia’s invitation to sit down and have reasonable discussions regarding everyone elses seemingly intentional desires to increase militarisation and behavours threatening Russia China let alone world peace. So it goes on and on and on.
https://sputniknews.com/analysis/202002191078353759-turkey-syria-idlib-standoff-will-continue-libyan-conflict-may-be-used-as-bargaining-chip–analyst/
https://news.err.ee/1036886/estonia-issues-joint-unsc-statement-condemning-russia-activity-in-ukraine
Latest re situation???
https://southfront.org/turkish-military-operation-in-idlib-would-be-considered-invasion-syrian-opposition-leader/
More thoughts…via Tass
“Russia and Turkey are at loggerheads now over whether Turkish observation points will remain on the territory controlled by Damascus, Kommersant writes. According to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Ankara won’t abandon its positions, while Moscow believes that Turkey would have to recognize a new reality. While Ankara and Moscow are bickering, the Syrian army is continuing its offensive in Idlib and the de-escalation zone is rapidly shrinking.
Kremlin views possible Turkish operation in Syria’s Idlib as worst scenario
Russian International Affairs Council expert Timur Ahmetov told Kommersant that Turkey was unlikely to violate international law and start a war with another UN member and an Arab state. “Turkey is fulfilling the concept of coercive diplomacy, flexing its military muscle, while its major goal is to improve its negotiating positions and diplomatic clout,” the expert noted.
Moscow is calling on Ankara to iron out the situation in Idlib by diplomatic means, stressing that a military scenario would only worsen things, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma (lower house) Defense Committee Andrei Krasov told Izvestia. According to him, only the terrorists would benefit from a direct clash between the Syrian and Turkish armies.
A Turkish lawmaker, Ozturk Yilmaz, told Izvestia that Ankara still believed there was a chance to settle the crisis in Idlib by diplomatic means. Turkey is ready to continue talks with Moscow before launching a military operation, he said, noting: “But the negotiations should be held soon since tensions in the country are running high over the death of Turkish troops in Idlib. The Syrian army continues its offensive deeper into the province and that’s why Turkey won’t hesitate to respond militarily,” the politician said. “But at first talks with Russia should be held to rule out a direct clash between the two countries’ militaries.” ”
Meanwhile Turkish backed group NFL had destroyed 2 x T72 tanks plus BMP in another southfront report.
https://southfront.org/in-video-turkish-backed-militants-destroy-syrian-army-battle-tanks-armored-vehicle/
Plus
https://southfront.org/new-large-scale-turkish-led-attack-targets-syrian-army-in-southern-idlib/
Frozen conflict … like Ciprus
Very possible
Pardon, spelling mistake … Cyprus
Very well said.
One of the things that touched very hard my soul is to contemplate the fields around the cities in Syria… It´s just marvelous… It shows a people that love its ground and do a hard work to live there. And the Syrian people don´t deserve this so long tragedy. I dream with the Syrian soil completely free of all those cockroaches, once and for all.
Btw, I don’t want to see a single “green bus”, never again. It was a big mistake IMHO, because thanks to it, the f***ing bugs got a nest in Idlib.
God bless Bashar, and his people, ever..!
On a more upbeat note…
The leader of the Turkish government is not only the president, but also a member, of the think happy thoughts book club.
This can be clearly seen by the smile on his face, and all of the peacful, positive, wonderful, magical manifestations with which he has surrounded himself.
It is obvious that he is a genuine genius, and a bonified master of positive thinking.
His mommy also loves him very very much, because he really is her special little guy.
😏
Russian Su-24 Planes Strike Pro-Turkish Terrorists, Allowing Syrian Army to Repel Attacks
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202002201078360646-russian-su-24-planes-strike-pro-turkish-terrorists-allowing-syrian-army-to-repel-attacks/
“According to the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria, pro-Turkish militants, with the support of the Turkish artillery, broke through the defences of the Syrian army in the areas of Qminas and Nayrab.
Russian Su-24 aircraft have conducted airstrikes against pro-Turkish terrorists, which allowed the Syrian troops to repel all attacks successfully, the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria said in a statement.
“The Syrian troops destroyed one tank, six infantry fighting vehicles and five pickup trucks containing large-calibre weapons”, the message said.
The Centre also added that four Syrian servicemen were injured by Turkish artillery. The organisation went on to say that Turkey halted shelling against Syrian government troops as soon as Russia notified Ankara that it had detected the Turkish artillery fire.
This RT article has additional details:
Russian Air Force strikes repel militant attack on Syrian government army in Idlib – Defense Ministry
https://www.rt.com/news/481299-russian-airforce-syria-idlib/
“The Turkish Armed Forces are reportedly providing the militants with fire support, using rocket launchers, howitzers and even battle tanks”
Southfront
There is definitely a distinct Arab rhetorical style. He talks quite differently in English, to Westerners. This translated speech feels much more like say Nasrallah’s speeches, or what you hear from some Iraqi or Iranian politicians. It’s a different cadence, with a more flowery expression. I was going to say the content tends to be a bit exaggerated, a bit over the top, compared to typical Western speeches, but that’s not strictly true–the American hard right also tends to exaggeration and excess, but with a much coarser style.
This translated speech feels much more like say Nasrallah’s speeches
Yep. The standout for me has been the amount of stuff which is simply omitted (because, presumably, the speaker and the audience all know and expect it). The translator however feels the need to fill in the missing bits – for example, six times in the first paragraph – for the Western readers. This suggests a real difference in world views between Arabic and Western audiences.
I must say i have never understood the relationship between Russia and Turkey,especially after the Turks shot down that Russian fighter some years ago then we saw images of Turkey backed terrorists murdering the Pilot,then Russia sold S-400s to Turkey,lets hope Russian Pilots don’t pay the price for that lunacy,the turks should have been attacked as soon as they entered Syria with their army,i mean we have seen convoy after convoy of tanks and armour crossing into Syria,they should have been hit with air strikes everytime,if that maniac Erdogan tries to carry out his deranged threat to attack the SAA i just hope Russia goes all in with all they have against the Turks.
“… if that maniac Erdogan tries to carry out his deranged threat to attack the SAA …”
He already did so: Turkish artillery has been shelling the SAA over this past day! Although, reportedly (according to RT), it stopped after Moscow complained to Ankara. As for your not fully understanding the crazy relationship between Russia and Turkey, join the club … I don’t either. Putin’s and Erdogan’s interests (economic, strategic…) are all tied up in a knot…
Removed (you can just say Gordian knot). Secondly, please try and keep to facts in your comment above with links (Russian air force bombed terrorists/Turks in Idlib today too). Mod.
Well…as Turkey has previously claimed it has killed many SAA …peoples have wishfully stated not proven….but says tonight
“Turkey Claims ‘More Than 50’ Syrian Forces Killed After Two Turkish Soldiers Killed in Airstrike ?-reuters”
So previous clams could be “accepted” then could that be not just cause to seriously take up your suggestions to neutralise Turkish military …one wonders.
The most meaningful and insightful I have heard from a national leader ever. And he is always like this.