Assad's 'delusional' speech: Is Syria's leader in denial?

The Syrian president blames "saboteurs" for his country's uprising, and pro-democracy protesters denounce him as a liar

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pledged Monday to commit to political reforms, while blaming saboteurs for his nation's unrest.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Sana/Handout)

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.

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