After Syrian President Dismisses Protests As ‘Foreign Conspiracy’, Activists Rush His Car
- Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:07pm by
Emily Esfahani Smith
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DAMASCUS, Syria (AP/THE BLAZE) — Syria’s president dashed expectations that he would announce sweeping reforms Wednesday and instead took a tough line, blaming two weeks of popular fury on a foreign conspiracy.
Residents of a port city said that troops opened fire on them during a protest shortly after the president’s speech.
Bashar Assad’s own officials billed his speech as an introduction of major change and the turnaround infuriated protesters who vowed to keep up with their extraordinary cries for reform.
Following his speech, Assad’s car was attacked by protesters while he was in it–which you can see watch:
First, just one woman approaches his car.
Then a swarm of protesters crowded it.
Assad’s speech contained conflicting messages, a fact which raises questions about a possible rift in one of the Middle East’s most rigid regimes, where Assad and a tight coterie of family and security services hold all the reins power.
“Syria is being subjected to a major conspiracy,” Assad said in his first public comments since the turmoil began, touched off by the arrest of several teenagers who scrawled anti-government graffiti on a wall. Human rights groups say more than 60 people have been killed since March 18 as security forces cracked down on the demonstrations.
Assad made only a passing reference to the protesters’ calls for change, saying he was in favor of reform, but acknowledged there have been delays. “The question is what reforms do we need,” he said, without offering any specifics.
Radwan Ziadeh, a visiting scholar at the Institute for Middle East Studies at George Washington University, said Assad missed an opportunity to distinguish himself from other dictators in the region who refuse to bow to public demands.
“I think Assad opted not to announce the reform measures in his speech today because he doesn’t want to be seen as having succumbed to street pressure,” Ziadeh said. “The language he used shows how out of touch he is with his people.”
Social networking sites immediately exploded with activists calling on Syrians to take to the streets.
Within hours of Assad’s speech, residents of the Mediterranean port city of Latakia said troops opened fire during a protest by about 100 people, although it was not immediately clear whether they were firing in the air or at the protesters. The residents asked that their names not be published for fear of reprisals.
Latakia, which has a potentially volatile mix of different religious groups, already has become a flashpoint for violence that could take on a dangerous sectarian tone in the coming days and weeks.
The anti-government protests and ensuing violence have brought Syria’s sectarian tensions into the open for the first time in decades, a taboo topic because Syria has a Sunni majority ruled by minority Alawites, a branch of Shiite Islam.
Assad has placed his fellow Alawites into most positions of power in Syria. But he also has used increased economic freedom and prosperity to win the allegiance of the prosperous Sunni Muslim merchant classes, while punishing dissenters with arrest, imprisonment and physical abuse.
Assad, who inherited power 11 years ago from his father, appears to be following the same strategy of other autocratic leaders who scrambled to put down uprisings by offering minor concessions coupled with brutal crackdowns. The formula failed in Tunisia and Egypt, where citizens accepted nothing less than the ouster of the regime.
Assad fired his 32-member Cabinet on Tuesday in a move designed to mollify the anti-government protesters, but the overture was largely symbolic. Assad holds the lion’s share of power in the authoritarian regime, and there are no real opposition figures or alternatives to the current leadership.
Rime Allaf, a Syrian associate fellow at London’s Chatham House, said it was clear from Assad’s speech that he did not want to show any weakness.
“On the issue of reforms, his message was: ‘We will not be pressured, we‘re doing it anyway and we will let you know when we’re ready,’” she said.
When the unrest roiling the Middle East hit Syria, it was a dramatic turn for Assad, a British-trained eye doctor who said in January that his country was immune to such unrest because he is in tune with his people’s needs.
Assad does maintain a level of popular support, in no small part because of his anti-Israel policies, which resonate with his countrymen. And unlike leaders in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and Jordan, Assad is not allied with the United States, so he has been spared the accusation that he caters to American demands.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters in Washington that Assad’s speech “didn’t really have much substance to it.”
“We expect (the Syrian people) are going to be disappointed,“ he said ”We feel the speech fell short with respects to the kinds of reforms that the Syrian people demanded, and what President Assad’s own advisers suggested was coming.”
Although Assad has clamped down on political freedoms, many credit him with modernizing Syria and opening up the economy. He also is seen as relatively vibrant, at age 45. He and his wife, Asma, who recently was featured in a glowing profile in Vogue magazine, are often spotted driving around town, even photographed in Damascus riding bicycles with their three young children.
So far, few in Syria have publicly called on Assad to step down. Most are calling for reforms, annulling emergency laws and other stringent security measures and an end to corruption.
But Syria has a history of brutally crushing dissent – including a notorious massacre in which Assad’s late father, President Hafez Assad, crushed a Muslim fundamentalist uprising in the city of Hama in 1982, killing thousands.
The unrest in Syria, a strategically important country, could have implications well beyond its borders given its role as Iran’s top Arab ally and as a front line state against Israel.
Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, said pinning the blame on a foreign conspiracy is a snub to the many Syrians who are calling for reform.
“He should be addressing the real problem – which is that his security forces have been firing live ammunition on protesters,” Luther said.
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Gonzo
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 3:23pmThat guy looks like a Nazi. Seriously, trim the ends of his moustache and put a peaked visor cap on him and he could be in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Report Post »libertylady2
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 2:04pmHe’s the Anti-Christ. Google al-wahash. This is arabic, meaning, the beast. It was his family name before his father changed it. Basharu means flesh, and al-assad “lion.” He was born Sept 11, 1965 and the sect of Shia Islam he’s from Alwiri (? check) produced the 11th Imam. I know. Crazy. Check it out for yourself. http://www.profoundprophecy.com. Suffer through the glc interview.
Report Post »Bronco II
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:48pmThis is not shocking to me we are seeing GODS WORD coming to past.If people really read the Bible like they should they would realize it’s like reading TOMMORROWS NEWPAPER.It is written what is happening now.The Old Testament is an ensample to us to not do what they did then if we don‘t learn from history we will repeat it and apparently some didn’t read GODS LETTER to us and we are seeing the mistakes being repeated again and those who did are staying very close to GOD because we know those who don’t what is coming so we should use common sense pray and do not have fear look to GOD for wisdom,guidance,protection and he will hear you.
Report Post »K-Bo
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 11:53amIs Andy Kaufman really the President of Syria?
Report Post »JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:36amWe could really use another Reagan now.
Report Post »DeadFred
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:14amI believe the US is going to end up on the wrong side of history…..against Israel. That’s not a good place to be. The Middle Eastern countries have tried many times to destroy Israel and have failed.
We just need to bring our troops home and let Israel bombed them off the map.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:07ama foreign conspiracy… and he’s right, too. too bad.
Report Post »sawbino
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:49pmYou folks do realize that if they go to war with Israel, then it’s war with us. They, the radical muslims, know that we will not allow Israel to fall, regardless of what our president wants, so that means we will have to be dealt with too. There will be terrorist attacks on us. They are already here, thanks to many years of a wide open border policy, and are plotting our destruction. We need to be prepared. I firmly believe that obammy is not incompetent, but is laying out a plan for the demise of this country. All that is happening in the Middle East is just a little extra gravy on the potatoes.
Report Post »sdranger
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:07pmCan you say dry runs at Camp Pendleton? Did you watch Becks show Tuesday night? He was writing all the time lines down on when a Palestinian State will be made. He didn‘t make anything of it to be honest with you but if you DVR’d it go back and look at it. All dates say September 2011 or in other words 9-11 ironically this will be the 10th anniversary of the real 9-11.
Report Post »bigtruck1956
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:49pmI do not want to jump too far over the edge but it is rather obvious that this has all been done through social media.
Report Post »Tell me how are all these poor young people are gaining access to high speed internet, smart phones and alike without some help. This is all orchestrated by these socialist groups. There is a lot more to this than just Grassroots activist action.
We Can Win – Home
Robert-CA
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:11pmSyria started a nuclear site with the help of North Korea , in 2007 Israel lead “ Operation Orchard ” to bomb that site to the ground .
Report Post »Since 2007 Syria & North Korea are rebuilding another nuclear site . The UN as usual is in a coma .
Also Syria is the biggest sponsor & exporter of muslim terrorists who killed a lot of Americans in Iraq & elsewhere in the world .
Also Syria is the # 1 Ally of Iran & hezbollah & hamas which they call for the total destruction of Israel .
If this dictator regime goes down & it will be a big blow to Iran & hezbollah & hamas .
& Hillary stop calling the dictator Assad a reformist are you kidding me ??? He’s a reformist in new ways of torture & killings .
i want the truth
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:01pmI hope Israel with not listen to our thug president. And I hope the people of Israel know that we back them. It is just the muslim(barry) and the white house administration that is helping the muslim brotherhood.
Report Post »WHOAREYOU
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:00pmThese Arab leaders will only accept one world government
If they get to be the ruler of the world.
So is the plan to kill or drug all leaders except Obama.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:50pmMy son is in the military and rotates out of the Middle East in one week, and I couldn’t be happier….maybe I will be able to sleep again. I don’t think I was under so much stress back when I did my government sponsored tour of the sandbox. The entire region is just smoking now, but will burst into flames soon.
Report Post »Nigel2
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:46pmSyria don’t have oil, and they already hate Israel. Obama isn’t too concerned.
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:35pmYou are about to see nukes in action.If POTUS thinks he can stop Israel he is a bigger fool than even I thought. My prayers are with you Israel.
Report Post »SilentReader
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:24pmI wonder if Obamessiah is going to be sending in our troops, under Samantha Power’s/George Soros’/UN’s “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine?
Oh, wait. Syria is his friend, right?
Report Post »jim
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:09pmThe old saying: “Never turn your back on the masses, man.”
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:04pmHe and Obama could pass for twins…..evil twins!
Report Post »5410amh
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:00pmWe don’t need to worry about Isreal they can handle themselves militarily. They’ve fought numerous wars with their arab neighbors and won everytime. And most of the time they were outnumbered 6 to 1. They will do whatever it takes to defend themselves, so don’t worry about them.
Report Post »notofdasleeple
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:41pmThat‘s what Owebomba’s standpoint is going to be when Israel gets attacked. I think you just quoted the speech they have written for that occasion. Man I’m so pissed and frustrated at this pile of camel dung passing for the United States of Owebomba policy! I am an AMERICAN and THIS IS NOT AMERICA!!!!!!!! GOD descend upon your people, vanquish our enemies and right your world! I shake the dust off my sandals at these deceivers o LORD! I pray to you God Almighty, my Sovereign God, in the name of MY lord and savior JESUS CHRIST! Amen.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:57pmAnother country for bho to help his friends???
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:43pmIf you think Israel is going to sit on its hands forever your wrong.This is going to get really ugly
Report Post »TANK3584
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:51pmNot only ugly….Its going to make shock and aw,look like kids play….Israel might look small on the map..they will finish it…..watch and see.
Report Post »flasho
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:54pmCorrect, Israel will not go quietly into the night.
Report Post »jackeric61
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:21pm100% flyoverbob but will Obama tie Israels hands and keep them from using all that is needed to survive an attack from 9 or 10 Islamic states. Israel will be defeated if the US does not supply them with replacement weapons.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:29pmIsrael verses the whole middle east………………i put my money on Israel
trust me you dont want to be on the wrong side ( ie the muslim side) in a war against Israel that whole nation is trained to protect itself, unlike the riffraff of the middle east, where you can actually see dumbos shooting themselves
its like putting 100 highschoolers against 5 top rated mma fighters ………….the mma fighters will barely start a sweat
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 9:54pm@JACKER
Report Post »Israel will never let Barry tie their hands. Bennie knows BHO does not and never has had his back. Netenyahu will do whatever it takes to ensure Israel’s survival and damn all the worlds opinion. When those people say “Never Again” they mean it. Do not threaten their survival if you value your life. Get ‘em Bennie!!!!
sdranger
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:02pmSomething strange is really going on. But as far as Isreal goes they can defend themselves but lets not also kid ourselves. Their first wars were against WWII equipment by people with their heart not in it and only a few states at that. The 2 MMA fighter vs. the 100 school kids got me thinking. Yes the first wars were just like that but the 100 school kids didn’t come all at once and if you remember correctly it damn near lead to WWIII. Now have all 100 kids attack at once, add Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, et al at once boy oh boy.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:35pmBeck is one who has put most of the puzzle togeather indeed. Most of this mess is probably coming from the nation of Iran, who control and influence Syria in all but name. Also, part of this could, again I say COULD be from other nations who have interests in the area supporting those wanting reforms as a way to move against the pro Iranian forces in the land.
Report Post »marhee9
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:21pmAmazing how the liberal media is covering all of this. There is a video on Youtube that really tells the story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGMl5TBfepc is called Bush war bad, Obama war good. Enough said.
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:20pmQuestion :
Report Post »If situation in Syria gets worse,
should Rezko start singing ?
cheezwhiz
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:12pmHussain sent CIA to Syria too ?
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:21pmDo they have oil?
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:29pm@ RepubliCorp
Report Post »Syria borders Israel
It has to fall, just like Egypt did,
to accelerate Israel’s death
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:37pmEgypt is undone, Syria and Jordan are coming undone; if the muslum brotherhood or supportive govt come to power in each one, then the likelihood of war against Israel will rise dramatically; one other part to consider as well, the next convoy of arms and goods coming from Turkey if I recall right sails sometime in May, anyone want to guess if one of those Iranian ships in Syria will escort the flotilla to ‘protect’ it from ‘hostile Israel.’
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 8:42pmanyone want to guess if one of those Iranian ships in Syria will escort the flotilla to ‘protect’ it from ‘hostile Israel.’
Report Post »——————
My guess is the Commander in thief will send US Navy ships to ‘escort’ the flotilla from hostile Israel .
notofdasleeple
Posted on March 30, 2011 at 10:32pmDo You guys know how many NUKES Israel has?!! me either but I know its more then the rest of the muddledeast has combined. The United States of Owebomba will do nothing in this. Iran is going to try to take care of Israel for them. They will fail. The Muddledeast is about to become a sheet of Israeli glass. The temple mount will be left standing. And if the 12th Iman shows up after he is gonna be like “I thought someone called me but there is no one here I guess its back into the well.“ Then Owebomba is gonna be like ”Israel you guys know I was just kidding about all that stuff I said right? nudge nudge” UNLESS China and Russia are really on Iran’s side (I think so) and if that is the case then we are already involved in WWIII. TO QUOTE Einstein “I don’t know what weapons will be used in WWIII BUT I know WWIV will be fought with rocks and sticks” Better get your soul right with the Almighty!
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:01amAlthough Assad is vile, he might be right about foreign influence with the protesters. As Beck reported today (with proof, by the way), Obama had sent progressive/libs to Egypt last fall to share ideas on how they could bring about a revolution. This group of progressive “advisors” might have been stirring up trouble all over the Middle East to hurry up their agenda of a new world order. Maybe it’s time to investigate where else they have been in the last 6 months.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 12:57am“After Syrian President Dismisses Protests As ‘Foreign Conspiracy’, Activists Rush His Car”
—————————————————————————————————
Wouldn’t that be “Foreign Activists” rush his car?
Hahahahaha… couldn’t happen to a nicer guy… dirt-bag!
CNN Poll is Bogus!
Report Post »http://www.AmericasTeaPartyNews.com
independentvoteril
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 1:43pmHey someone in the EAST has finally woke up to whats going on..?? They are slower than AMERICAN‘S if they haven’t figured it out until now..
Report Post »Strictlybusiness
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 6:12pm@ independentvoteril
Exactly what is it thats going on in your opinion, over in Syria???
Report Post »