Syrian opposition distance itself from Khaddam

Former political prisoner journalist Yassin Haj Ali, who was imprisoned for 16 years, pointed out to the "retreat of the regime's control on its external stability through withdrawing from Lebanon, being under international monitoring, and the loss of the important regional role."

Haj Ali added that Syria's former vice president Abdul Halim Khaddam's dissention and statements against the regime might refer to the weakening of the regime's control on the conditions of its internal stability.

"Khaddam's statements are grave. He is an influential figure in the Baath (party). It is not possible that Khaddam would release those statements without a plan with international, regional or local parties. If this is true, this Syria (government) will be in critical position regarding changing the existing situation."

Movie director and member of the opposition, Omar Amiralay, criticized Khaddam's announcement that he will return if the Syrian regime collapsed. "Khaddam is responsible for crimes to the extent that he will not find a place in a democratic Syria," Amiralay said.

Amiralay added that "Khaddam cannot pretend that he enjoys credibility by criticizing others simply because he is one of the most predominant figures in the Syrian political class."