America Quote by Bashar al-Assad
“When our interests matched, the Americans have been good to us, and when the interests differed, they wanted us to mold ourselves to them, which we refused.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2020, Syrian President Bashar al‑Assad
The quote reflects a view that U.S. relations are conditional on aligned interests, and that the U.S. tries to impose its values when interests diverge, which the speaker rejects.
In simple terms: U.S. aid depends on shared goals; they resist imposed changes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and assert national autonomy.
Themes
politics
sovereignty
U.S. relations
national identity
Mood
defiant
pragmatic
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- foreign aid decisions
- regional alliances
- policy making
Key Concepts
realpolitik
soft power
cultural hegemony
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance national values with pragmatic alliances?
- When is it justified to reject external influence?
A Different Perspective
U.S. interests may align at times, making cooperation possible.
![“The other thing we did as government is to open gates for the civilians to leave that [ eastern part] area [in Aleppo], and at the same time for the humanitarian convoys and help to go through those gates inside that part of Aleppo, but the terrorists publicly refused any solution, so they wanted…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/bashar-al-assad-1027_areas_the-other-thing-we-did-as-government-is_37737.jpg)
![“This war [in Syria] is going to support Al-Qaeda and the same people that killed Americans in the 11th of September. The second thing that we want to tell Congress, that they should ask and that what we expect them to ask this administration about the evidence that they have regarding the chemical…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d71/bashar-al-assad-1027_administration_this-war-in-syria-is-going-to-support-al_74280.jpg)
![“I will tell [Barack Obama] very simply : present what you have as evidence to the public, be transparent.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dea/bashar-al-assad-1027_barack_i-will-tell-barack-obama-very-simply-pre_91133.jpg)
![“[Enemies of Syria] are the enemies of the people and the enemies of God. And the enemies of God will go to hell.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d6/bashar-al-assad-1027_devil_enemies-of-syria-are-the-enemies-of-the_95144.jpg)
![“[It is important] to have stability and to have security, which means humanitarian equals fighting terrorists. You cannot talk about humanitarian aid and supporting the terrorists at the same time. You cannot, you have to choose.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c33/bashar-al-assad-1027_aids_it-is-important-to-have-stability-and-to_110406.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
