Amer al-Bousalema, the General Overseer of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, asserted that the revolution in the country continues, and that the regime has yet to stabilize. He referenced the erupting protests in new areas within Syria as evidence of this ongoing revolution.
Al-Bousalema, in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, emphasized that the only solution is the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, denouncing any attempts to recycle it as futile and desperate.
Regarding the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, the General Overseer stated that the group remains unified and distant from any divisions, and strives alongside other Syrian forces to achieve the revolution's objectives.
Concerning the "Al Aqsa Torrent," and the war waged by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip, al-Bousalema called for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of crossings to aid the people of Gaza.
Al-Bousalema: The revolution still simmers in the hearts of Syrians, both within the country and abroad (Al Jazeera)
Interview Text:
After 12 years since the revolution's outbreak, where does Syria stand?
The Syrian revolution, despite the years that have passed, continues to unfold, even in areas initially unexpected, such as the Syrian coast and the Al-Suwayda governorate, as well as with the tribal uprisings. The regime wobbled in the first six months and almost fell, until Iranian institutions and militias intervened to prop it up, followed by Russian intervention which decisively took control in some regions through iron, fire, shelling, and indiscriminate killing, reminiscent of what we currently witness in Gaza, where no part of Syria has remained untouched by the regime's criminality.
This repeatedly faltering regime is not as secure as it and its axis allies believe, who think they have achieved victory. However, the reality is that the revolution continues. While there has been some fatigue due to global betrayal of the cause, the revolution endures.
Why has the revolution failed to achieve its goals despite the length of time, and what is the opposition's responsibility, given you are part of it?
It's difficult to claim that the revolution has failed or not achieved its objectives because it hasn't concluded. True, it has been drawn out, and we did not wish it so, but many objective conditions made it persist for this relatively long duration, which isn't long when compared to the lifespan of revolutions or global liberation movements.
The revolution is still ongoing and carries the same aspirations it was founded on. We are a part of this struggle to achieve those goals completely. We oppose the regime and its allies who believe they have triumphed. How can they claim victory when half the Syrian population is displaced, refugees, or internally displaced? How is it a triumph when Syria lies in ruins, the northwest is liberated, and the east is under American and SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) control?
Therefore, things have not settled for the regime. On the contrary, we herald a second revolution that will be stronger than the first, God willing.
Where is the opposition now? Have you resigned to the status quo, and what is the opposition's presence in the "liberated" northern Syria?
We are part of the opposition but don't speak for it entirely. I can confirm that we continue to play our role in the revolution alongside honorable countrymen from across the spectrum and structures. Politically, we are present as much as we can, coordinating with cooperative countries and those understanding our cause. We currently aim to convince other nations that there is no solution but the regime's downfall. We adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (which called for the establishment of a transitional government and UN-supervised elections and stopping attacks against civilians), demanding its implementation by all countries.
It was noted at the last Gulf Cooperation Council summit that the majority of Arab countries call for implementing this resolution, which acknowledges the continuity of the revolution. We also demand the true implementation of this resolution, meaning the establishment of a government with full governance powers. This would relegate Bashar al-Assad and his regime's pillars completely off the map.
Al-Assad (center) partakes in the recent Arab League Summit after years of Syria's suspended membership (Reuters)
Recently, the Syrian regime's president attended the Arab Summit, and ambassadors have been appointed in some Arab countries. Does this signify the end of the revolution's chapter?
Absolutely not, as I've explained, any move from the regime and its allies does not signal the end of the Syrian people's revolution. The revolution is alive by God's will, and no curtain will be drawn over it. We remain steadfast, alongside our countrymen, until the regime falls and a modern Syrian state is established for all its children, God willing.
The regime's recycling is a desperate attempt. We participated in a document to Arab countries urging them not to accept this criminal at the Arab Summit after he had killed a million people, displaced over ten million, and destroyed more than three million homes, not to mention the ongoing injustice, corruption, poverty, currency collapse, and narcotics production which have affected the Arab world. We told them that nothing good can come from someone who attempts to flood the Arab states with Captagon narcotics.
As for the regime's return to the Arab League or embassy reopenings, none of that will change the fundamental truth; the flame of revolution will continue to burn until this criminal and his ilk face justice, and we will see them in the dock soon enough.
The Brotherhood has always been known primarily as a mass movement. What is your current presence in Syria – whether in regime-held areas, the "liberated" North, or abroad, particularly in Turkey?
The group remains active as part of the opposition's political framework and revolutionary objectives. We reflect on the revolution's concerns daily.
Additionally, as a group, we operate as a religious, educational, and intellectual movement, and we have related activities wherever we are. We strive for a larger and broader presence, God willing.
Our community relations emphasize this phase through advocacy, student, humanitarian, relief, women's, educational activities, engaging with people, and understanding their concerns. Since our foundation in 1945, with Dr. Mustafa al-Siba'i as our first General Overseer, we've worked within the masses.
There are two views of the Brotherhood: Some exaggerate our dominance and control, which is intended to alienate us, portraying us as exclusionary. The other view minimizes our presence as non-existent. Therefore, we maintain an accurate perspective: neither excess nor deficiency.
Al-Bousalema: The Muslim Brotherhood in Syria is unified and only a few members have withdrawn (Al Jazeera)
Over the past decade, some members have withdrawn from the Syrian Brotherhood. With nearly a year into your position as the General Overseer, have practical steps been taken to mend internal rifts?
Reports of resignations are often exaggerated in the media. The number of those who left is quite small, and while we respect them and parted amicably, our internal rules allow members to leave freely. The organization, from this standpoint, is doing well with regards to withdrawals, and as for divisions or splits, they are non-existent. We have known only one General Overseer, one Shura Council, and one unified leadership.
How do you view the Al Aqsa Torrent operation launched by the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation?
Firstly, the Al Aqsa Torrent operation is a significant and great event. It is a chapter in the ongoing confrontation with the occupation, following previous wars, the Intifada, and earlier efforts from the 1930s spearheaded by Sheikh Izz al-Din al-Qassam, the jihad of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine in 1948, Sheikh Hassan al-Banna and Siba'i in Syria the same year. These efforts continue today.
Now we witness unprecedented Zionist brutality, matched only by the horrors in Syria. Our perspective on Palestine today blends smiles and tears: smiles for the enemy's humiliation and the steadfast resolve of our people in Gaza—seekers of martyrdom and not clinging to life—against attempts at forced displacement. Their resistance meets the Zionist enemy's murder and expulsion, hence the tears.
It's important to emphasize our rejection of Palestinian displacement on all levels, even from one neighborhood to another. We also urge the opening of crossings for evacuating the wounded and delivering aid. Furthermore, with the support of free people worldwide, we strive to cease this fierce war on our people in Gaza. Each additional hour means more bloodshed.
Sarab "Saker" squadron, one of the military units of the resistance that took part in "Al Aqsa Torrent" (social media platforms)
What is your assessment of the Syrian regime's response to the current situation in Gaza, especially as it coincides with recurring Israeli strikes targeting locations within Syria, including airports and military sites?
In our view, the so-called "Resistance Axis," which we denote as the axis of evil, provides no benefit whatsoever to the Palestinian cause. The Syrian regime and other profiteers of the Palestinian issue have been stripped bare, and it is clear that the party that sold the Golan cannot be expected to be a liberator of Palestine or a supporter of the resistance. The regime that massacred Palestinians in Telle Zaatar and other Lebanese areas, as well as Al-Tadamon and the Yarmouk Camp in Syria, and detained many, will not be the champion for Palestine.
This regime, which kills and displaces Syrians, should not speak of liberating Palestine. We are amazed that there are still expectations of good from this regime, which suffers strikes and remains silent, claiming to await the right moment, despite five decades without firing a single shot towards the Zionists.
Now, after approximately 88 days since the Al Aqsa Torrent and Israel's brutal assault on Gaza, what do you foresee for the future of the Palestinian cause?
We hope and expect, God willing, that the cease-fire will soon commence, restoring the status quo to Gaza. Gaza and Palestine belong to their people, who govern as they see fit.
It's essential to commend Egypt's rejection of the displacement of Gazans to Sinai and Jordan's refusal to transfer West Bank Palestinians to Jordan. These honorable stands reflect Arab unity—governments and public alike—in the belief that the fire must be stopped and Gaza must remain for its people.
Certainly, the blood shed is not in vain but will indeed bear fruit. I hold great hope that the Zionist project is destined to fail by God's will, for it is unsustainable.
