President Bashar al-Assad’s Speech to the Syrian Parliament, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, following the wave of demonstrations, protest, and counter demonstrations that swept the country for the previous two weeks. Mr. Speaker, Ladies and gentlemen, members of the People’s Assembly, It gives me a great pleasure to meet you once again in this distinguished place, [...]

Brian Whitaker has the best commentary on the Assad speech that I have read so far – and not just because he quotes from Syria Comment – although it helps. Syria: the boldness of Bashar al-Assad Brian Whitaker, Guardian, Thursday 31 March 2011 Bashar al-Assad’s seemingly relaxed attitude to reform is either supreme confidence or [...]

This morning, I published responses from Syrians living abroad. Most were very disappointed in the speech. Here I am posting comments sent to me by Syrians, most of whom live in Syria. Some of the more glowing comments come from a Latakia-based, Arabic facebook list named – Baladi Habibi – Mamnu`a al-fitna -waylu illi yu`adina [...]

These are comments by Syrians and one Israeli living abroad who heard the President’s speech: I just got a call from some of my hard core syrian friends. This is what one said: “Finally, i respect bashar. He has showed that he is a real man. He has spared the country bloodshed. Any sign of [...]