Syria Cracks Down on Protestors As Assad Struggles For Control

News reports are saying that Syrian security forces shot dead seven people during anti-government protests Tuesday in three cities. The violence followed rallies organized by authorities in support of President Bashar al Assad. Protesters said reforms he pledged during his speech Monday were inadequate. In response, he ordered a new general amnesty. Mind you the amnesty Assad pledges is to not execute any who surrender, instead offering lesser sentences of twenty to life. It seems unlikely any will take him up on his “generous” offer.

Al Jazeera also reported seven dead and ten wounded. One of the dead was a 13-year-old boy who was killed when security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters in a main square in Hama, according to an activist network. Syria has barred most international journalists, making it difficult to verify accounts from activists and officials, although the brute force being used by Assad against his own people is not in question.

During Assad’s speech this past week, he accused a “small” number of "terrorists" backed by "conspirators at home and abroad" of exploiting legitimate demands for reform. While hinting at possible reforms, Assad insisted that this depended on overcoming these obstacles which could take some time. In other words, Assad said, “I want to help but these dang conspirators are tying my hands. If only there weren’t these rioters running rampant, I could fix all that ails you, dear Syrians.” Only those that stand to gain anything in Syria are buying this bull and that seems to be a very small number.

Unfortunately, the army is still firmly behind Assad and until they change sides, the battles will be woefully one sided. Both the UN and the EU are considering more sanctions against Syria and Iran. How this will affect Assad will have to be seen.
The crackdowns Assad has conducted is not winning him any friends in much of the Muslim world with string condemnations from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyep Erdogan has moved forces, military equipment and vehicles, including attack helicopters and tanks to the Syrian border. He has threatened to invade to stop the flow of refugees from moving into Turkey. Even though relations between Turkey and the US have been frosty at best lately, Washington is coordinating its military movements with Ankara and Erdogan has quietly agreed to place Turkish bases at US disposal for an operation in Syria, should it come to that.

The war bells are sounding on Syria. Does Assad hear them or assume the US is too involved elsewhere to intervene? Let’s hope he’s not so arrogant to find out.