RIAD SEIF COMMENTS ON SARG PRESSURE

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAMASCUS 000894 SIPDIS SIPDIS LONDON FOR TSOU, PARIS FOR ZEYA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM SY SUBJECT: RIAD SEIF COMMENTS ON SARG PRESSURE REF: (A) DAM 702 (B) DAM 672 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Stephen A. Seche for reasons 1.4(b)/(d ) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: During a March 2 meeting with Charge and PolChief, prominent opposition figure Riad Seif discussed his recent problems with Syrian security services and their strategy to shut down his activities, his interactions with other opposition figures as he continues to hone his political philosophy, as well as the SARG's increased use of pro-Islamist rhetoric to shore up support. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) SECURITY SCRUTINY TAKES ITS TOLL, BUT DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE WELCOME: Prominent opposition figure Riad Seif met with Charge and Polchief on March 2 in his office. Seif, looking well-rested, described the continued presence of state security surveillance at his office and at the building where both of his children reside (reftels). His daughter added that Seif has at least two security agents following him at all times, including to family events. When asked if contacts with diplomats were causing problems for him, Seif noted that such visits are a sign of support for him and his family and act as protection. Were it not for this support, the SARG would feel less constrained about punishing Seif. Seif is convinced that now, the SARG will not re-imprison him and "make him a hero", nor will they kill him and have to "pay a big price." ¶3. (C) However, Seif made clear that the recent security pressure has taken its toll on his work. Through their intimidation tactics of mid-February (ref A&B),the SARG was trying to isolate him and "break him down," sapping his energy, distracting and frightening him. They managed to weaken him briefly, because of the threats against his family, he said. Seif noted that he will "continue to press, but more calmly, more quietly," particularly in the next month. "People understand that I have to be quieter." Following the detention and questioning of his assistant, Seif has also put plans to form a political party on hold. When asked if the security services had told him directly to stop his plan to organize a political party, Seif said no, but that they had made clear to his assistant, with detailed questioning, their interest in his plans for a party, and who has shown interest in participating and helping finance his activities. He noted that so far the security services have not expanded their efforts at harassment and intimidation beyond his family circle, but have collected the names of all those who has visited to express support for his political plans. Seif also noted that he has not been granted a passport, with SARG authorities telling him that any action is pending the receipt of documents from the Political Security Directorate. ¶4. (C) CLEARER SENSE OF OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP ROLE AND POLITICAL SELLING POINTS: Seif seems to have developed a clearer perception of his role in the opposition. While professing that he does not enjoy being in the spotlight, he sees that "many sides believe I have the ability to play a role that others cannot," particularly as a "connection point" between different ideologies and individual politicians. He feels the key to his popularity has been that his character and program have never created enemies and that he encourages people to be tolerant of each others' political ideas. He also attributed his success to his reputation of being "nonsectarian," particularly in his (now-defunct) company's merit-based promotion system and multiethnic management team. When asked if he is willing to accept this leadership role, he said that he cannot escape from it and is willing to pay any cost to achieve his aim of the peaceful downfall of this regime. Nonetheless, he recognizes that he cannot act as a "one-man show" but instead must create an institution which embodies his clean, uncorrupted reputation, said Seif. ¶5. (C) While his plans to form a party in the near future are on hold, Seif detailed that the party's identity as a clean, anti-corruption party that is respectful of religious views would cut away power from Islamist parties that promote themselves as the anti-corruption party. He described the scope of the Islamists' societal platforms, noting that they can spread their message via the mosque at funerals and weddings, as well as at Friday prayers. Compared to this, "we (secularists) have no chance." We must care for the conservative society and not forget about them," said Seif, noting that up to now, activists with secular ideologies have had little contact with conservatives. Seif also emphasized that societal conservatives are not limited to Sunni Muslims only, but also can be found in any of Syria's religious sects. "We must attract them with morals and respect their beliefs and traditions." ¶6. (C) SARG ABUSING ISLAMIC ANGER TO ITS OWN ADVANTAGE: Seif noted that the SARG has turned to pro-Islamist, anti-Western rhetoric to shore up public support and remain in power. "The SARG is abusing Islamic anger," and Seif noted that since the February 4 embassy-burning demonstrations, the previous purely anti-U.S. rhetoric has been replaced by a more generalized anti-Western vitriol. According to Seif, the SARG is going so far as to portray its problems as the result of being a Muslim state and serving as a defender of Islam against the anti-Muslim U.S. In this environment, building relations with the West is particularly difficult, he said. SECHE