Was Issam Zahreddine’s Threat Against Refugees Really Misinterpreted?

Zahreddine articulated the views of countless Syrian and non-Syrian supporters of the regime, who wish for Assad’s opponents to remain in permanent exile.

In an interview with Syrian state media earlier this week, Major General Issam Zahreddine said that refugees who fled Syria should think twice before returning home, suggesting they had betrayed their people by leaving. “To those who have fled Syria to other countries,” Zahreddine said, “please do not ever return. Even if the government forgives you, we…