Did Nasrallah blur red line on Assad?
Hezbollah’s leader says a political solution could include Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s departure “after the end of his term”; Kerry supports Russia, UN diplomacy on Syria; Who does Israel back in Syria?; Did Turkey arm Jabhat al-Nusra?; Iran’s shallow influence in Yemen.
Nasrallah "between the lines" on Syria
As reported by Ali Hashem for Al-Monitor, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah’s remarks in an interview with Al Mayadeen TV on Jan. 15 may have seemed “offensive, non-conciliatory and threatening, yet between the lines, there were stances that could be seen as new and promising, mainly on Syria.”
While Nasrallah said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must be part of any political solution in Syria, he added, “Even if the political solution means that Assad should go after the end of his term, this should be in coordination with him.”
Nasrallah said, “A committee needs to be formed to review the constitution and reforms, and a dialogue established. Some might suggest that early parliamentary elections be held — this is what’s being suggested — or that the president give part of his powers to the Cabinet, not all his powers.”
