Assad hints: Sure, I’ll run again for president in 2014
Assad, according to the paper, explained he would be like any other Syrian citizen after “the weight of presidency” is lifted off him in 2014. He will then have two options: running for a second term or resuming his work as an opthalmologist and living a peaceful life.
Assad was quoted as saying that “there is talk that I should step down or announce I will not run for reelection. I won’t do that and will reserve my right to push my candidacy. If I decide not to, I will nevertheless stay in Damascus. I have family, friends and country.
“I will serve my country and continue to work at my clinic even if I am not president.” He further added, “The ballots will decide between me and the others.”…
He also reportedly expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Syria. “The images of carnage are painful. Some people forget I am flesh and blood. I’m not a wild animal and you must keep in mind I am a doctor and it pains me to see death.”
Blowback
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stefanite on February 19, 2013 at 5:14 PM
I wonder if Hillary Clinton approves:
“There’s a different leader in Syria now. Many of the members of Congress of both parties who have gone to Syria in recent months have said they believe he’s a reformer.”
–Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on “Face the Nation,” March 27, 2011
DKCZ on February 19, 2013 at 5:14 PM
And I hope he wins – the alternative is too awful to contemplate.
OldEnglish on February 19, 2013 at 5:17 PM
He’ll probnably want to have a national gun registry database before he does that. I hear they’re the latest thing. Everybody is doing it.
a capella on February 19, 2013 at 5:19 PM
Anybody here want to a vacation in a Muslim country in the Middle East? I understand in Egypt the tourist business is terrible.
SC.Charlie on February 19, 2013 at 5:43 PM
He will be more flexible and reform minded after the election.
BL@KBIRD on February 19, 2013 at 6:08 PM
And Pelosi for VP
trl on February 19, 2013 at 7:13 PM