An Interview with Syrian writer, journalist, activist Samar Yazbek

YJIA: Earlier this summer, you wrote an article which appeared in the New York Times about the growing influence of jihadists in Syria. In it, you mentioned that you encountered very few Islamist groups, and had not observed any connection to Al Qaeda or Salafism. Do you feel that the role of jihadists inside Syria has been overstated?

Samar Yazbek: The [Assad] regime is the one that actually let them into Syria, they are the reason for the presence of Jihadists in Syria. The regime exaggerated and gave the wrong impression of their size and activity, because the regime wants the world to think that it’s a Salafist revolution, so the world will not help the revolution.

YJIA: You took part in protests against the Assad regime and were detained by security forces. Do you think there is a threat to your safety outside of Syria?

Samar Yazbek: I was detained and interrogated several times, but I was never held overnight. I do not feel there is a threat to me outside of Syria.

YJIA: We see reports of up to 1.2 million Syrians have been displaced due to the fighting, what do you think the international community can do to help this situation?

Samar Yazbek: The aid the refugees get from the UN is only about 40% of what they need; the solution to help the refugees is to topple the regime and allow the people to return to their homes inside Syria. Until then, the international community should help with food, clothing, basic human needs.

YJIA: Your novel Cinnamon deals with a lesbian relationship. With everything that is happening in Syria right now, are things like homosexual rights taking a back seat?

Samar Yazbek: Yes, of course!

YJIA: How do you feel minority groups inside Syria will fare in a post-Assad regime?

Samar Yazbek: In democratic elections, they will be just like everyone else.

YJIA: Can we talk a bit about social networking? What role, if any, do you think social networking is playing in the current struggle inside Syria?

Samar Yazbek: It is very important inside Syria because activists are working secretly, and Facebook is helping them connect with each other and let the world know what is going on through these networks. Facebook was the main instrument of starting the war of liberty.

YJIA: In your opinion, what is being underreported in the news right now?

Samar Yazbek: There are many things about Syria that are untrue. They say it is a sectarian war, they exaggerate the number of jihadists and Al Qaeada, and that is not true. They don’t know the reality and the real number of the victims of the massacres and the brutality of Syria.

YJIA: Do you see a role for yourself in post-Conflict Syria?

Samar Yazbek: Of course! I will come back home and help rebuild my country.

YJIA: Thank you, and good luck.