In his first speech in two months, embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday called for a "national dialogue" on political reform, and blamed anti-government violence on "saboteurs." Protesters took to the streets, shouting, "Liar!" On Tuesday, Assad followed up by giving amnesty to dissidents — the second such announcement in just three weeks — and pro-government demonstrators rallied in support. Will these gestures buy Assad more time to defuse the uprising?
Assad is only digging himself a deeper hole: Assad's regime promised a "groundbreaking" speech, says Martin Chulov at Britain's Guardian, and this is the best he could do? The protesters have withstood a deadly crackdown by Assad's forces, so the Syrian leader is dreaming if he thinks they'll simmer down with yet another vague promise of reform. And calling the demonstrators "saboteurs" who are preventing him from moving toward democracy has only infuriated them further.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.