Imagined Transcript of Al-Akhbar’s Interview With Syrian VP Farouk Al-Sharaa

Al-Akhbar today published an important interview with Syrian VP Farouk Al-Sharaa. We tried to obtain the transcript but weren't able to, so we tried to reconstruct it from Al-Akhbar's version:

AA: What is your opinion about what’s happening now in Syria?

FAS: In the beginning let me say they I trust the wisdom of Iran’s spiritual leader Ali Khamenei and I admire the resilience of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. They could have played an important role in reaching an early political solution to the Syrian crisis. Obviously, what we need is a 100% Syrian solution to this crisis.

AA: What is your vision for a solution?

FAS:  Did I mention that I trust the wisdom of Iran’s spiritual leader? And Hassan Nasrallah? Because they are instrumental to any Syrian-Syrian solution to the crisis.

AA: What do you think of the role that external powers are playing in inflaming the situation within Syria?

FAS: I am personally quite fond of Persian carpets.

AA: Can you be specific about certain countries?

FAS: I am a friend of the Russian people and I admire what China has become. But obviously Iran is our main friend, it could have been a great democratic experiment.

AA: What specific role can Iran play?

FAS: I am a big fan of modern Iranian cinema.

AA: How does that relate to the conflict in practical terms?

FAS: It obviously illustrates the wisdom of the spiritual leader which I trust.

AA: And in terms of responding to the demands of a democratic movement?

FAS: Obviously Iran has had a good experience with that.

AA: Why did you have a low-profile during this crisis?

FAS: Are you going to publish my replies accurately?

AA: Yes, of course.

FAS: Then let me take this occasion to salute the wisdom of Iran’s spiritual leader, Ali Khamenei.

AA: Do you think you’re overdoing it with those references to Iran?

FAS: Why don’t you let your readers judge if this sounds plausible or not?

AA: Good point. Have we mentioned Hassan Nasrallah?

FAS: I admire his resilience and wisdom of course.

AA: What is your opinion of what’s happening in Egypt?

FAS: Some people say it’s becoming another Iran. Obviously I would welcome that. Particularly if they have a wise spiritual leader. Like Khamenei whose wisdom I respect.

Are you going to publish this interview verbatim?

AA: That would be boring. We might repackage it and focus on the important points.

FAS: Like how I admire Khamenei?

AA: Exactly. Tell us more about decisions in Syria are taken?

FAS: Our biggest problem in Syria is that we don’t have a wise spiritual leader. So there’s discussions and arguments, it’s very messy. I can think of one country where they don’t have that problem.

AA: Don’t mention it, it will sound like we’re talking too much about Iran. What do you think of Syria’s future after this?

FAS: I drive an Iranian-made car. It’s fantastic and very reliable. You have to wonder how did Iran manage to manufacture cars, build nuclear power plants, etc. They must have a special kind of wisdom leading them.

AA: Excellent point. Anything else to add?

FAS: I think I made all the important points and you will no doubt highlight them.

AA: Thank you for this interview.

FAS: Have a piece of these Iranian sweets before you go. They’re excellent.