Skip to main content

Syrian Businessman Envisions Peace with Israel, Condemns New Damascus Regime as 'Extremist'


A future of peace between Syria and Israel is possible and desired by the Syrian people, but the new regime consolidating power in Damascus represents a dangerous, extremist threat, Syrian-born businessman Yahya Kirdi asserted in a wide-ranging interview with the The Jerusalem Post.

Kirdi, a Canadian citizen originally from Aleppo who was stripped of his Syrian citizenship by the Assad regime, shared his perspective as a successful international businessman with roots deeply embedded in Syria's complex cultural fabric. The owner of sports clubs and companies involved in sports marketing and petroleum trade, Kirdi, expressed no hesitation in speaking to Israeli media, seeing it as an opportunity to directly convey a message of peace.

"We desire to live peacefully alongside our Jewish neighbors," Kirdi stated, dismissing the notion of inherent Arab hostility towards Israel as "a deception perpetuated by Arab rulers."

Throughout the interview, Kirdi emphasized his firm belief that peace between Syrians and Israelis is attainable. He reassured the audience by stating, "We believe peace is possible and see that the Syrian people are ready for a peace process with Israel." This belief in the Syrian people's readiness for peace instills confidence in the potential for a peaceful resolution.

However, Kirdi offered a scathing critique of Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration, which has taken control in parts of Syria. He labeled it an "extremist Islamic emirate" and characterized its rule as "totalitarian and sectarian." Kirdi's critique of the current regime provides the audience with a clear understanding of the situation in Syria, keeping them informed and aware.

Furthermore, Kirdi condemned the new regime's reliance on non-Syrian, hardline Islamist fighters, citing the presence of militants from Chechnya, Uzbekistan, North Africa, and even elements linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. "This is an Islamic jihadist movement with no connection to Syrian identity," he argued passionately. This reliance, he asserted, marginalizes genuine Syrian opposition figures who sacrificed much against Assad and fails utterly to represent the country's rich diversity, which historically included significant Jewish, Christian, Druze, Kurdish, and other communities.

Regarding the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Kirdi attributed it less to popular uprising alone and more to a "convergence of American, Turkish, and Russian interests." He pointed to the surrender of territory without resistance and the significant impact of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias as crucial factors in the regime's collapse.

Looking toward Syria's future, Kirdi strongly advocates against partition or federalization, warning such moves would only empower extremists and threaten regional security. Instead, he envisions a single Syrian state led by an authority built on modern foundations. His vision calls for a civil, democratic state where business leaders contribute significantly to reconstruction and economic revival, believing economic development is key to stability and popular support. This vision of a democratic Syria offers hope and optimism for the country's future.

Kirdi believes business people, supported by rational politicians, are well-positioned to lead peace initiatives. He argues that their understanding of economic interdependence and their ability to foster prosperity can be instrumental in building trust and cooperation between nations. While he explicitly distanced himself from seeking any role within the current Sharaa administration due to its dictatorial nature, he maintains hope for a future Syria that embraces democracy, respects its diverse population, and pursues coexistence.

"Trust the Syrians, for they are the children of ancient civilizations," Kirdi concluded. "They are not extremists and are open to all cultures of peoples who seek peace."

Photo: The Jerusalem Post

Popular posts from this blog

Sovereignty as Spectacle: Turkish Cypriot Researcher Critiques Grand Opening of the Northern Cyprus New "Republican Campus"

On Saturday, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not recognized internationally, officially launched its new "Republican Campus." The first construction phase features the new Presidential Building and Parliament Building, inaugurated during a grand ceremony attended by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Dubbed by critics as a "show of sovereignty," the event, alongside the concurrent Teknofest technology festival, has drawn criticism from Turkish Cypriot researcher-writer Mete Hatay for its political undertones and symbolic messaging. Hatay, a noted peace researcher affiliated with the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), argues that the openings were not merely about inaugurating buildings but about constructing symbols of dominance under the guise of sovereignty. Hatay describes the events as meticulously staged platforms for political agendas. "Today in Northern Cyprus, it wasn't just buildings that were opened; symbols w...

Cyprus Archbishop's Easter Message Lost in Translation, Sparking Controversy

A mistranslation of Cyprus' Orthodox Archbishop Georgios' Easter message has ignited a new wave of tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the divided island. Turkish Cypriot media outlets reported that the Archbishop called for "expelling the Turks and saving the homeland," prompting swift condemnation from Turkish Cypriot political figures, including opposition leader Tufan Erhürman. According to Kıbrıs Postası 's bulletin published on April 20, 2025, Archbishop Georgios issued an Easter message urging "Greece, Southern Cyprus, and all Hellenism to make a coordinated effort to expel the Turks and save the homeland." The report further claimed the Archbishop stated there was "no possibility of making any more concessions" in the current situation. In response, Tufan Erhürman , leader of the social democrat Republican Turkish Party (CTP), issued a strongly-worded statement criticizing what he called "discriminatory and pr...

Is Turkey's New Rising Political Star's Future in Danger?

In a development that could dramatically alter Turkey's political landscape, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's presidential ambitions face a serious challenge as pro-government sources report his university diploma may soon be invalidated. According to prominent pro-government journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, Istanbul University is expected to complete a report today that could lead to the cancellation of Imamoglu's diploma, effectively disqualifying him from running for president of Turkey. Critical Findings in University Investigation The investigation centers around allegations that Imamoglu's lateral transfer from American University of Kyrenia to Istanbul University violated educational regulations. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has already issued a report claiming that American University of Kyrenia was not recognized by YÖK at the time Imamoglu made his transfer. "Istanbul University's investigation has been completed, and the...