Deaths in Syria as protests continue

[robdogbucky]

Several reported killed in anti-government rallies as security forces respond with live rounds, tear gas and batons.

Last Modified: 02 Apr 2011 05:30

"At least four people have been killed in another day of anti-government protests in several Syrian cities, activists have said.

Protest marches against Baath Party rule broke out in cities in the north and south after Friday prayers, including in the flashpoint city of Daraa...

...Al Jazeera's Amin said it was significant that protests were taking place despite the president's speech and the three government announcements on Thursday to address some of the protesters' demands...

...Activists estimate more than 160 people have been killed by security forces in the protests - dubbed "Friday of Martyrs" after weekly Muslim prayers across Syria - mainly in Daraa. Officials say about 30 people have died and accuse Muslim extremists and "armed gangs" of pushing peaceful rallies into violence with the aim of inciting sectarian unrest in the country..."

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/201141132440493496.html#


A defiant Bashar al-Assad

Al Jazeera's senior analyst deciphers whether the Syrian president's speech was historical or merely political.

Marwan Bishara Last Modified: 30 Mar 2011 16:19

"Did Syrian president Assad meet the high expectations ahead of his speech?

No he didn't. Syrian officials had promised a historical speech. Instead, we were treated to a bombastic political speech interrupted by more of the same parliamentary chorus of support for the 'brother leader'...

...Moreover, internationally, statements coming from Washington haven't been that menacing. In fact, Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, spoke of the destructive Libyan regime, but of the potentially reforming Syrian presidency. Likewise, Europeans who have been overzealous on Libya and the use of military intervention, have been silent on Syria and its own internal unrest...

...In reality, Arabs can't live on or by national slogans. Pan Arabism is a mere mirage if not motivated by, and translated into, concrete political and economic freedoms and prosperity for each and every individual Arab nation. That's what the Arab revolution is all about and Syria, as Assad likes to claim, is part and parcel of the Arab world."

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/201133016057968929.html#

[robdogbucky]

1. No one cares

USA! USA! USA!

[Distant Observer]

2. Documented Killings of PEACEFUL PROTESTORS in Syria and Yemen far exceeds that in Libya

I guess US, France and Britain will be dropping the bombs in due course.

We just have to give them a little time. Or maybe the protestors have to pray for a $trillion in Oil and Gas reserves, located a little closer to Europe.