Assad has weeks left: Israel
The Washington Post
Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak takes part in a news conference in Ottawa November 16, 2011. REUTERS Photo
President Bashar al-Assad's downfall won't take months but weeks, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said, according to the Washington Post.He was on his way to Washington to meet with U.S. officials, including the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, when he spoke to the Washington Post over the phone.
"Basically it's inevitable," Barak was quoted saying. "It might take many weeks, but it's not a matter of months or years."
The Israeli defense minister also spoke on the impact al-Assad's fall would have on Israel's enemies in the region, namely the Islamists in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, as well as Iran.
"When the al-Assad family falls, it will be a major blow to the radical axis led by Iran," Barak told the Washington Post. "It will strengthen Turkey, which is a natural rival to Iran's hegemonic intentions. This is something positive for Israel."
