[Bashar] Assad himself has said on several occasions…
![“[Bashar] Assad himself has said on several occasions recently that if the people of Syria don't believe I should be there in the future, then I would step - I would leave. He has said it. He has, on occasion, hinted that he wants a political settlement of one kind or another. I think it's up to…” quote by John F. Kerry](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/f4e/john-f-kerry-996_assad_bashar-assad-himself-has-said-on-several_789819.png)
“[Bashar] Assad himself has said on several occasions recently that if the people of Syria don't believe I should be there in the future, then I would step - I would leave. He has said it. He has, on occasion, hinted that he wants a political settlement of one kind or another. I think it's up to his supporters, his strongest supporters, to make it clear to him that if you're going to save Syria, Assad has made a set of choices - barrel bombing children, gassing his people, torturing his people, engaging in starvation as a tactic of war.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kerry emphasizes that Assad’s actions, including violence against civilians, make it impossible for supporters to claim he should remain in power, urging them to make his choices clear.
In simple terms: Assad’s violent actions disqualify him from support; supporters must oppose him.
Key Takeaway
Hold leaders accountable for atrocities.
Themes
politics
human rights
conflict
leadership
Mood
serious
determined
Type
political
advocacy
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- humanitarian advocacy
- international negotiations
- public statements
Key Concepts
accountability
ethical governance
war crimes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can supporters effectively pressure Assad?
- What alternatives exist for Syrian governance?
A Different Perspective
Political realities may limit immediate action.