Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
❓ Unknown

Bashar al-Assad: War with Iraq Could Intensify Islamic Terrorism in the Middle East - 2002-12-13

Feb 11, 2026 February 11, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Bashar al-Assad warns that the U.S. war against Iraq could exacerbate Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. He criticizes U.S. peace proposals as biased towards Israel and supports Palestinian suicide bombers. This statement highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics involving Syria, Israel, and the U.S.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Assad's warning underscores the risks of U.S. military interventions in the Middle East and their potential to fuel terrorism.

👥 Key Players

Bashar al-Assad MENTIONED
President of Syria
"Assad is a key figure in Middle Eastern politics, representing Syrian interests and aligning with Iran against U.S. influence."
George W. Bush MENTIONED
President of the United States
"Bush's policies, particularly regarding Iraq, have significant implications for regional stability and U.S.-Middle East relations."
Ariel Sharon MENTIONED
Prime Minister of Israel
"Sharon's actions and policies towards Palestinians are central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, influencing regional dynamics."
Tony Blair MENTIONED
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
"Blair's support for U.S. policies in the Middle East reflects the UK's role in international diplomacy and military interventions."

📰 What Happened

Bashar al-Assad warned that the U.S.-led war against Iraq could lead to increased Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. He criticized U.S. peace proposals as biased towards Israel and expressed support for Palestinian resistance actions.

  • Assad's comments highlight the potential for regional instability following military actions in Iraq.
  • The statements reflect ongoing tensions between Syria, the U.S., and Israel regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views U.S. military actions in the region as a threat, and Assad's comments align with Iran's narrative against U.S. intervention.
🌍 Regional: The potential for increased terrorism could destabilize neighboring countries and exacerbate sectarian tensions.
🌐 International: The U.S. and its allies may face backlash from increased terrorism, complicating their foreign policy and military strategies.

📚 Background

The early 2000s saw heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq.

U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East Israeli-Palestinian conflict
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The Times of London is a reputable international publication, but its framing may reflect Western perspectives on Middle Eastern issues.

Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, says that the U.S.-led war against Iraq could intensify Islamic terrorism throughout the Middle East. In an interview with The Times of London published today, Assad stated that the war against Iraq would create turmoil in the region and provide fertile ground for the seeds of terrorism. The Syrian President also criticized President Bush's proposals for peace in the Middle East, describing them as overly favorable to Israel. He expressed support for Palestinian suicide bombers, stating that they are responding to what Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon termed terrorism. The Syrian President traveled to London to meet and negotiate with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →