29 Questions Put to Journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem about Current Syrian Affairs

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ons Put to Journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem about Current Syrian Affairs 8172 Views
A few days ago, Syria based journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem held a live Q & A sess
ion of Facebook regarding events that are currently taking place in Syria. The f
ollowing are the questions asked and their corresponding answer:
Question:
A transition of power is the only path that makes sense. However there is signif
icant opportunity for intervention by various parties to create instability to d
isrupt that potential yet delicate solution.
I know it s difficult to talk about such a complex possibility, but what are some
characteristics of the transfer of power that you/the people that you re interacti
ng with think would work? What are the risks (such as the instability objected b
y foreign parties)? Do you know of any individuals/groups that are talking about
this next step in concrete ways so we can learn more about how this conflict ca
n evolve from where it is today, and a realistic analysis of the swath of disrup
tions that may rock that boat?
Thank you for all that you do; in the age of information overload, concise and d
irect journalism is invaluable.
BAK:
1. I believe that the only transfer of power that would be acceptable to the reb
el factions is one that has no presence of Bashar Assad or his inner circle. Thi
s is something that no rebel group, Islamic or otherwise, has budged on in the l
east. I think after the dispatching of Assad and his inner circle then an interi
m government comprising mostly of Islamic factions, but not exclusive to them, w
ould probably be the shortest path to a cessation of hostilities. 80% of the cur
rent resistance fighters all fight under one Islamic banner or another (excludin
g ISIS of course). Therefore it is only natural that any future government repre
sent that trend. Foreign parties will try to oppose that by installing some sort
of puppet secular government. This will only lead to more bloodshed as it clear
ly would not represent the make-up of the groups fighting.
There are quite a few who are in a position to make a case for a stable leadersh
ip, however most of the talk these days isn t about transition of power as the pla
ying field gets more crowded everyday (entrance of the Russians, etc.). So I thi
nk most of the thinking and planning is focused on the military task at hand and
the task of catering to the needs of the Syrian population in rebel controlled
territories.
As I mentioned, the greatest enemy to a cessation of hostilities should the regi
me fall will be those who try to impose a style of governance that doesn t represe
nt the number of Islamic forces fighting in the country.
Question:
Asalaaam Alaykum . How are you bro , what do you think about Ahrar ul sham?
BAK:
Ahrar Asham has shed more blood in this conflict than people will ever know! Ahr
ar has been getting a bit of a bad reputation as of late for some of their polit
ical stances. However I will say this: After the decree of Allaah, this Islamic
revolution would not be where it is today without Ahrar Asham. And it would prob
ably collapse without them. So it is important for people not to overlook them s
imply because they disagree with some of their political stances as of late. Ahr
ar is a very influencial group and has done much for the Syrian people
Question:
Assalaimu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh akhi. Who do you consider to be the
TRUE mujahideen and why ?
BAK:
I think all of the Islamic groups (excluding ISIS) have more virtues than faults
. It would be difficult and maybe even unfair to them and you to single out just
one.
Question:
Akhi can you clarify about the recent usage of prisoners and family members in c
ages by Jaish-al-Islaam And why exactly did the family members had to be put insi

de the cages ?
BAK:
To be honest I was quite sad to see that. I felt that was really bad for them to
do. However while I can t say I agree with them I can say I know why they did it.
They did so because the regime is pounding their families with their barrel bom
bs and missiles so they used what they see as regime supporters as human shields
. I don t agree with it at all. At all. At all. But I do understand it.
Question:
What is Nusra stand about sufi islam?
BAK:
Nusra does not support the Sufi methodology.
Question:
Salam alikum brother Bilal. May allah protect you. You are dooing so much for us
to provide authentic informatuin. Which itself is jihad, i would say. May Allah
protect you from every harm and give you and your faimly long life.
My qyestion are isis , jabhat nusra lost much territories since russia strike be
gan. As we do not hear much about gains.
BAK:
Wa alaykumus salaam! Nusra and the others have taken territory within the past 1
0 days or so in Latakia, Homs, Morek and other places. It wouldn t be accurate to
depict the conflict as Nusra vs the Regime. Nusra is a part of a much larger reb
el fighting force in Syria. Generally a gain for one rebel faction means a gain
for all of them.
Question:
Dear Bilal Sab: first I will thank you for such a services. So if you could plea
se put a little light on ISIS realities that they are the really mujahideen or t
hey secrifiese for Islam or for democracy.
BAK:
Please see the above responses as I may have stated something that may be of use
to you concerning ISIS. Short answer: They have caused more harm to the Syrian
revolution than any force outside of Bashar Assad and his army. This isn t just my
statement. This is the general feeling of virtually every group fighting in Syr
ia.
Question:
Asalaaam Alaykum Is it true Syrian rebels gain more territories despite Russian
strikes?
BAK:
Yes. Very true. Call Putin and tell him. Wait a minute no need to tell him. I thin
k he knows!
Question:
Asalamualaikum brother bilal. My name is Azri, from malaysia. What is you advise
, at least I can do or help the people in Syria. No 2, what is your advise, many
Muslim youngster in malaysia, they very influential to isis, some even travel t
o syria joining the Isis? Thank you, May Allah swt reward you great.reward what
you have done.
BAK:
Wa alaykumus salaam wa rahmatullaah Azri! The Syrian people are in need of so mu
ch, I think it should be my question to you as what you can do to help. I think
the Syrians don t just need money or food. The entire infrastructure is smashed. R
ebel groups are trying to see to their needs however the Syrian people are still
suffering a great deal. Please look and see what skill set you have and then se
e what you can do for the Syrian people. As for those youngsters going to ISIS,
it is very unfortunate. May Allaah guide them to the truth. Ameen!
Question:
Brothers . Russia can destroy IsIs? What do you think?
BAK:
Here is a better Question: Does Russia want to destroy ISIS? If you look at how
most of their airstrikes don t land in ISIS territory, it would be hard to answer
your question!
Question:

It is hard to predict the future, but in your opinion What will be the best case
ending scenario for the Syrian people?
BAK:
The Syrian people are predominantly Muslim and therefore a governing style of Is
lam is something that is familiar to them. They recognize it. Democracy is somet
hing alien to them and I don t think it will work in Syria. Just look at the Democ
ratic experiments of Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan etc. All brutal failures. I believ
e that the Syrian people have seen those failed models and want something other
than that.
Question:
Is it true that Nusra is considering to join ISIS or cooperate with them against
Russians?If this happens how will Ahrar ash-Sham and other groups respond?
BAK:
Approximately once a month, every month, I hear the same rumours as you! However
these rumours have no truth to them. JN and ISIS are bitter enemies and there i
sn t even a negotiation going on between the two groups, let alone an agreement. S
o no, this is not true at all.
Question:
Brother I am a big fan of your reporting. I am still confused about the real sta
tus of ISIS .who they are actually. Are they real Mujahideen of Syria or sponsored
terrorists of CIA and MOSAD?
BAK:
This answer would take much time to deal with properly. The short answer is that
you could check my articles wherein I ve written extensively about ISIS. I do not
consider them Mujahideen and neither do any of the people of knowledge around t
he world or in Syria. As for whether they are sponsored by the CIA or Mosad, I c
annot say. I don t want to get involved in conspiracy theories without clear facts
.
Question:
Is jayshul-islam same with ISIS?
BAK:
Jayshul Islam is a group headed by Zahran Alloush. They primarily operate in the
Damascus area. They are separate and have no connection to ISIS. Different thin
king. Different ideology. Few similarities. Big differences.
Question:
salam alikum akhi. I was wandering about Asaads recent visit to Russia and back,
how did he manage to survive the journey.. this was his first show since the ge
nocide beginning in 2011, it is beginning to show that he is gaining his confide
nce back and by the support of almost every country in the world I am beginning
to think that he might last for a good few years. What is your thoughts about th
is. Jazakallahukhair for your support to this ummah
BAK:
Wa alaykumus salaam wa rahmatullaah, I have a bit of a different understanding e
ntirely Akhee Muhammad concerning Assad s visit. Russia and Iran have long been As
sad supporters as is known. Part of the reason he has not visited other countrie
s is because they did not want Assad as their guest. Had Assad done a tour of ar
ound 2 or 3 countries outside of either Russia or Iran I might share your view.
Additionally, when Russia entered into the conflict militarily, it appeared to m
e that Assad was summoned to appear in Russia. The official reason for his visit w
as to thank Russia for it s support. However, realistically did he have to go all th
e way to Russia to say: Shukran ? Not likely. Allaah knows best.
Question:
Do the rebels implement shari ah? If not, why not?
If yes, to what extent?
BAK:
Yes the rebels do implement the Sharia to the best of their various abilities/cap
abilities. The issue is that most people s definition of implementing the Sharia m
eans only implementation hudood punishments, beards, hijaab, and closed stores f
or prayer. While there is a place in the Sharia for all of these mentioned, howev
er this is only a microfraction of what he Sharia actually entails! This alone is

a topic unto itself. The short answer is that these groups would all say that t
hey are in need of the people of sound knowledge from around the Muslim world to
come and join them so that they might be more effective. If there are any stron
g people of knowledge living where you are then please ask them what is holding
them back.
Question:
As salamu Alaikum. 1 question if there is still time please. I know that the pla
n is for Syria to be further divided, but into how many pieces and who will be i
n charge so to speak after the division?
BAK:
Syria being divided is something I ve been hearing since mid 2013. I would say tha
t the conditions for a partition are not there. Russia s intervention was supposed
to whip the rebels into a more submissive mood and send them calling for a meet
ing atthe bargaining table. So far rebel factions are withstanding Russia s attack
s and in quite a few places continue to advance. Russia s intervention thus far ha
s been a failure. So I don t think any rebel group is entertaining any ideas of a
divided country at this time. They believe they can have all of it as they want
Bashar and his inner circle to go.
Question:
What is behind the rebels ineptitude in Aleppo as compared to Idlib-Hama?
BAK:
Aleppo has been in a bad condition for some time now. It was difficult for rebel
forces to operate there as there was a heavy presence of regime forces on one s
ide and ISIS forces on the other. Were ISIS and regime forces working together?
I have no knowledge of that but I can say that they didn t attack each other. Alla
ah knows best
Question:
Has the infighting shown any signs of slowing down ?
BAK:
Basically the only infighting that is going on is between ISIS and the other Muj
ahideen forces which are generally united against them. Jaysh Al Fath is an umbr
ella group that encompasses most of the major fighting forces in Northern Syria.
That does represent considerable progress made in comparison to what it was in
the past. So there are lots of signs of breaking from the past.
Question:
What is behind Jund al-Aqsa s break from Jaysh al-Fath, and is there fears in JaF
that Jund al-Aqsa will defect to IS?
BAK:
The issues concerning Jund Aqsa s departure from Jash Al Fath are still emerging.
There isn t much fear that they will defect to ISIS but there is much the groups h
ave to hammer out. I don t have full details as of yet and I am trying to get an i
nterview with a representative from Jund Aqsa so they can clarify the issues the
mselves.
Question:
What the Syrian people out there say? Which group they support most? JazakAllahu
khairen akhie
BAK:
The Syrian people support different groups depending on what area they are in. H
owever, just because some Syrians live in Ahrar controlled territory and support
Ahrar doesn t mean that they don t support Nusra or another group.
Question:
Just one question..when is this war will end ?
BAK:
I wish I knew! Only Allaah knows. The Syrian people have suffered a great deal w
ith no real end in sight. New players are entering the fray and it seems that th
e Syrian people are drowned out in the background.
BAK:
Did the entry of russians helped the syrian Shiite army to gain any land ?? what
is the situation of the mujahiddins now??
Answer:

The Russian intervention up until now has been well a flop. The Russian Bear , as it is
called, has not been successful in tipping the scales in Bashar s favor. Morek, a
nother strategic town, fell just yesterday. The opposition forces have been figh
ting the regime to a standstill in Latakia. If they are able to fight to a stand
still even with the Russian intervention, then that has got to say a lot.
Question:
Why is nusra in damascus seen as pro isis and nusra elsewhere more helping mujah
ideen
BAK:
In Damascus the people are under the control of the regime. Therefore they are r
egularly pounded with regime propaganda. The regime tries to sell to the people
that Nusra, ISIS, and everyone against Bashar are all one and the same and thus
are terrorists. He also sells to the people that he is only one who can protect
them. Another false claim. However outside of those areas there is much more cla
rity.
Question:
Is minority Alawite sect support for Bashar al Asad still strong in his heartlan
d of Latakia?
BAK:
It is very difficult to tell Abdur Rahman. Traditionally under dictatorships the
re are no polls and surveys like they do in the west. Meaning: the people have n
o real freedom to express their opinions freely. Even journalists that are allow
ed into Damascus by the regime are accompanied by state security agents everywhe
re they go. So it is not likely that anyone would shout out anything against the
regime. After having said that, since the uprising began very few of the towns
seem itching for a return to the regime. They may not be happy if they are on th
e territory of a group they don t like but that doesn t mean they want Bashar back.
Question:
Al Salam aleikoum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatu
I would like to ask you a few things about Jabhat al Nosra and the chariaa that
they use with the inhabitants. What did you see of them ? Are they just as they
say ? Do they commit mistakes with the population ? And my second question is ab
out the role of the several Islamic groups in Syria like ahrar al Cham al Nosra
jund al Aqsa Jaich Al islam ila a5iri Do you think that they can build a new gove
rnment and lead this country ? Barak Allahu fik a5na Bilal
BAK:
Jabha Nusra is a group that has been very very effective in fighting the regime.
Nusra is now in the realm of governing the affairs of large areas of Syria. Fig
hting is one thing, catering to the needs of a population is something different
. They make mistakes just like any normal or even abnormal governing body would.
All of the groups (excluding ISIS) would say they need assistance from Muslims
around the world to help to feed, clothe, protect, and see to the welfare of the
people. Some may not like Nusra for various reasons, however the reality is tha
t they are a part of this Syrian conflict and have been of great service to the
Syrian people.
Question:
As Salam Aleykoum brother, may the peace of allah be upon you.
I was asking myself how do the rebels see their war against ISIS ? Do they consi
der it as a jihad against monsters or simply as another war ? Do they see themse
lves as Mujahidin fighting ISIS ?
Thank you
BAK:
Yes they do see themselves as fighting Jihad when fighting against ISIS. The Muj
ahideen forces see any and all who oppose the establishment of Islam as those wh
o should be challenged. That may come in the form of Bashar s army, Russian fighte
r jets, or the deviant group ISIS.
Question:
Asalamu alaikum.
The groups, including JN and Ahrar that are fighting ISIS, are they making gains
or are they losing currently?

BAK:
Most of the conflicts with ISIS are stalemated for the most part. There were som
e gains made in the Aleppo areas two weeks ago by ISIS as a result of Russian bo
mbings on the positions of the groups opposing ISIS. However there haven t been an
y major gains by ISIS recently other than that.
Question:
Brother Bilal May Allah Preserve and Guide you, Do you take the Statements of.Sa
lafi Ahlul Ilm about the fitnah in Syria? The likes of shaykh Al Fawzan,Shaykh R
abee al Madkhali, Shaykh Ubayd, Shaykh Salih Suhaymii,Shaykh Raslaan? Baarakallah
feek
BAK:
I am willing to listen to the statements of any of the people of knowledge. I do
n t think it is within our interest as an ummah to become locked in to just one wa
y of thinking without examining other opinions (so long as they are based on Qur
an and Sunnah of course).
End