Patrick Seale Quotations

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.

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,

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.

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,

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,

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.

I think the prospects for the survival of the regime are better than many people think.