Patrick Seale
Patrick Seale
Patrick Abram Sealewas a Belfast-born British journalist and author who specialised in the Middle East. A former correspondent for The Observer, he interviewed many Middle Eastern leaders and personalities. Seale was also a literary agent and art dealer...
people prospects regime survival
I think the prospects for the survival of the regime are better than many people think.
consistency further mystery outside perhaps position remarkable
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about him was his remarkable consistency. The outside world so often said he was a mystery man, but nothing could be further from the truth. He always made his position clear.
america army army-and-navy bogged continues control note opposition regime security syrian weak
We have to note that the regime continues to control the army and security services, the Syrian opposition is very weak and America is bogged down in Iraq,
balance causes dominated east felt impose middle order partner political power stronger tries war
Assad did not want the political order in the Middle East (to be) dominated by Israel, ... He wanted a balance of power in order to keep the peace. He felt an imbalance causes war because the stronger partner always tries to impose his will on the weaker.
against both carry close community including men public
In their different ways, both the international community and his own public are ... encouraging him to carry out a 'corrective movement' against undisciplined barons of his regime, including men close to him,
authority came centers chance emerge impose power rival ruler since time unique
For the first time since he came to power in 2000, he has a unique chance to impose his authority on rival power centers and emerge as the real ruler of Syria,
country crucial face military question sanctions support whether
If he doesn't do it, then his country will face sanctions and become very vulnerable. If he does do it, then he will immediately get international support. The crucial question is whether he has the support of the military chiefs.