“Ten years with Hafez Asad” with written and oral documents

According to IRNA’s book reporter, Bethina Shaaban in the book Ten years with Hafez Asad He has not only played the role of a narrator or a publisher of documents, but also presented his own analysis and point of view. This means that in this book, he stands both as a witness, as a representative of the government, and as a judge who issues a verdict.

The book “Ten Years with Hafez Assad” is the first book based on documents and archival sources of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Syrian Presidential Palace on the subject of the Arab-Israeli war, the process of Middle East peace negotiations between 1990 and 2000, as well as the author’s memories as a translator. Hafez Asad has paid special attention.

The author has used documents in most parts of the book, because written documents are more substantiated and stronger. Among these documents, we can mention letters exchanged between personalities, agreements, minutes of official meetings, written phone calls, etc. On the other hand, the presentation of materials quoted by personalities that have been raised during various meetings is not less important than written documents; Because there are living witnesses who can testify about the authenticity of these quotes.

This work is composed in 11 chapters. On the way to Madrid, blessed be the prosperity of peace supporters, Bill Clinton’s coming to power, the honeymoon of Syria and America during the Clinton era, Robin’s deposit, the land of the main core of the conflict, Yusuf al-Azma’s legacy, the April Memorandum, Ronald Lauder’s non-confidential negotiations, the Shabberstown disaster and a man who is willing to The agreement could not be signed. These are the titles of different sections of this book.

Part of the text of the book

Hafez Asad In order to prove the goodwill of Damascus towards Shimon Peresagreed only by using its high influence in Lebanon to persuade Hezbollah to stop its armed attacks on northern Israel.

Addressing Ross, he said: “Israel must also take steps in return.” Pay attention to the fact that Peres’ control over the Israeli army is greater than our control over Hezbollah.

“Can I tell Peres clearly that you are committed to trying to calm the situation in southern Lebanon?” asked the American diplomat, who seemed happy to score a concession from Assad. I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but I will.” The Syrian president smiled and replied: “I don’t see an obstacle in this regard, but it is necessary to ensure that the Israeli army’s attacks on southern Lebanon stop.” Ross further clarified: “Certainly, if an initial agreement is reached that Peres can rely on and strengthen his position in Israel, we will see the extensive progress of the peace talks.”

I remember when I was translating at the said meeting, Christopher Ross and Dennis Ross raised a point about one of the words translated from English to Arabic. Now I don’t remember exactly what word they were talking about. Anyway, I explained the different uses of that word to President Assad, but the American officials did not accept my explanation. After a few minutes of discussion, they were finally convinced. It was here that Hafez Asad smiled proudly and said to the American diplomats, “It is true that you are originally American, but you do not have a doctorate in English literature like Bethina.”

Book Ten years with Hafez Asad to the pen Bethina Shaaban With translation Ramin Hossein Abadian In 408 pages with the number of 500 copies, it has been published in Iran Press Cultural Institute with supporting paper.