Interviewer's Question:
Dr Assad, there have been rumors that you intend to return to your country after many years spent abroad. Would you be able to give us a time-frame for your return? What role will you play then, and will that be a cause of a crisis with the current (Syrian) regime?
Dr Assad's answer:
I am returning to my country. I will work to ensure that dialogue is the way forward with them. I will work to avoid chaos and bloodshed. I am aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. I am not ignorant of the way they think and the dangers that await me. I am no such person. I anticipate danger, but my life will only be a cheap sacrifice for the people (Syrian people) I miss. A yearning I can no longer bear. My love for my people is great, my belief in them is even greater and my sacrifice for them is negligible. Everything I own is for my people and for no other. False pretenders who possess not the smallest grain of truth, I say to them stop lying. Stop lying to the nation. Shrink back to your true sizes, for the people can no longer bear to see you or anything related to you. I advise you to return to your senses before it is too late. I am no substitute for anyone and power is not on my agenda. I promise you not to seek authority, but instead, I promise you to sacrifice my life for this nation.