A few days ago, Syria based journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem held a live Q & A session of Facebook regarding events that are currently taking place in Syria. The following are the questions asked and their corresponding answer:

Question:

A transition of power is the only path that makes sense. However there is significant opportunity for intervention by various parties to create instability to disrupt 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 interacting with think would work? What are the risks (such as the instability objected by 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 can evolve from where it is today, and a realistic analysis of the swath of disruptions that may rock that boat?

Thank you for all that you do; in the age of information overload, concise and direct journalism is invaluable.

BAK:

1. I believe that the only transfer of power that would be acceptable to the rebel factions is one that has no presence of Bashar Assad or his inner circle. This is something that no rebel group, Islamic or otherwise, has budged on in the least. I think after the dispatching of Assad and his inner circle then an interim government comprising mostly of Islamic factions, but not exclusive to them, would probably be the shortest path to a cessation of hostilities. 80% of the current resistance fighters all fight under one Islamic banner or another (excluding ISIS of course). Therefore it is only natural that any future government represent 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 clearly 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 leadership, however most of the talk these days isn’t about transition of power as the playing field gets more crowded everyday (entrance of the Russians, etc.). So I think 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 regime fall will be those who try to impose a style of governance that doesn’t represent 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! Ahrar has been getting a bit of a bad reputation as of late for some of their political 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 probably collapse without them. So it is important for people not to overlook them simply because they disagree with some of their political stances as of late. Ahrar 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 cages by Jaish-al-Islaam… And why exactly did the family members had to be put inside 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 bombs 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 began. As we do not hear much about gains.

BAK:

Wa alaykumus salaam! Nusra and the others have taken territory within the past 10 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 rebel 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 please put a little light on ISIS realities that they are the really mujahideen or they 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 Syria.

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 think 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 to 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 much, 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. Rebel 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 see 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 Islam is something that is familiar to them. They recognize it. Democracy is something alien to them and I don’t think it will work in Syria. Just look at the Democratic experiments of Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan etc. All brutal failures. I believe 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 isn’t even a negotiation going on between the two groups, let alone an agreement. So no, this is not true at all.

Question:

Brother I am a big fan of your reporting. I am still confused about the real status 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 the world or in Syria. As for whether they are sponsored by the CIA or Mosad, I cannot 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 thinking. 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 genocide beginning in 2011, it is beginning to show that he is gaining his confidence 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 this. Jazakallahukhair for your support to this ummah

BAK:

Wa alaykumus salaam wa rahmatullaah, I have a bit of a different understanding entirely Akhee Muhammad concerning Assad’s visit. Russia and Iran have long been Assad supporters as is known. Part of the reason he has not visited other countries is because they did not want Assad as their guest. Had Assad done a tour of around 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 me that Assad was “summoned” to appear in Russia. The official reason for his visit was to “thank” Russia for it’s support. However, realistically did he have to go all the 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/capabilities. The issue is that most people’s definition of implementing the Sharia means only implementation hudood punishments, beards, hijaab, and closed stores for prayer. While there is a place in the Sharia’ for all of these mentioned, however 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 they 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 strong 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 plan is for Syria to be further divided, but into how many pieces and who will be in charge so to speak after the division?

BAK:

Syria being divided is something I’ve been hearing since mid 2013. I would say that 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 meeting atthe bargaining table. So far rebel factions are withstanding Russia’s attacks and in quite a few places continue to advance. Russia’s intervention thus far has 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 side 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. Allaah 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 Mujahideen forces which are generally united against them. Jaysh Al Fath is an umbrella 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 have to hammer out. I don’t have full details as of yet and I am trying to get an interview with a representative from Jund Aqsa so they can clarify the issues themselves.

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. However, 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 with no real end in sight. New players are entering the fray and it seems that the 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, another strategic town, fell just yesterday. The opposition forces have been fighting the regime to a standstill in Latakia. If they are able to fight to a standstill 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 mujahideen

BAK:

In Damascus the people are under the control of the regime. Therefore they are regularly 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 clarity.

Question:

Is minority Alawite sect support for Bashar al Asad still strong in his heartland of Latakia?

BAK:

It is very difficult to tell Abdur Rahman. Traditionally under dictatorships there are no polls and surveys like they do in the west. Meaning: the people have no real freedom to express their opinions freely. Even journalists that are allowed into Damascus by the regime are accompanied by state security agents everywhere 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 the 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 about 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 government 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. Fighting 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 that 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 consider it as a jihad against monsters or simply as another war ? Do they see themselves as Mujahidin fighting ISIS ?

Thank you

BAK:

Yes they do see themselves as fighting Jihad when fighting against ISIS. The Mujahideen forces see any and all who oppose the establishment of Islam as those who should be challenged. That may come in the form of Bashar’s army, Russian fighter 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 some gains made in the Aleppo areas two weeks ago by ISIS as a result of Russian bombings on the positions of the groups opposing ISIS. However there haven’t been any major gains by ISIS recently other than that.

Question:

Brother Bilal May Allah Preserve and Guide you, Do you take the Statements of.Salafi Ahlul Ilm about the fitnah in Syria? The likes of shaykh Al Fawzan,Shaykh Rabee’ 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 don’t think it is within our interest as an ummah to become locked in to just one way of thinking without examining other opinions (so long as they are based on Quran and Sunnah of course).

End