Tharwa Foundation
Syrian dissident and reform activist, based in Maryland, he blogs at Syrian Revolution Digest; founder of the Tharwa Foundation, which promotes democracy in Syria
PROFILE
Ammar Abdulhamid
Guest
FROM Ammar Abdulhamid
To the Point
The 'Arab Spring' Runs into Heavy Weather Syria's deadly crackdown on political protesters has provoked outrage at the UN, the European Union and from some Arab countries as well. International sanctions are not expected to make any difference to the regime of Bashar Assad, who's already killed some 400 of his own people. But, even if he remains in charge, instability in Syria could have consequences for the balance of power in the Middle East and for alliances with western countries. We update the unrest and the implications for Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Does President Obama have a coherent strategy, or is he playing it by ear?
Which Way, L.A.?
Will Syria Be Swept Up by the Winds of Change? All eyes are on Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad is determined to hold on to power despite the resignation of his cabinet and with protests expected again tomorrow after Friday prayers. In a major speech to the nation yesterday, Assad disappointed expectations that he would repeal repressive emergency laws that have been in place for nearly 50 years. The US has been fairly moderate in its comments on Syria and its violent crackdown on protesters. Israel and Syria are considered the "best" of enemies, with no violence on their shared border for decades. Will Assad respond with another bloody crackdown? But will he be able to hold off the kind of protests that have unseated other leaders in the Arab world? What would a new regime in Syria look like?
To the Point
Will Syria Be Swept Up by the Winds of Change? All eyes are on Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad is determined to hold on to power despite the resignation of his cabinet and with protests expected again tomorrow after Friday prayers. In a major speech to the nation yesterday, Assad disappointed expectations that he would repeal repressive emergency laws that have been in place for nearly 50 years. The US has been fairly moderate in its comments on Syria and its violent crackdown on protesters. Israel and Syria are considered the "best" of enemies, with no violence on their shared border for decades. Will Assad respond with another bloody crackdown? But will he be able to hold off the kind of protests that have unseated other leaders in the Arab world? What would a new regime in Syria look like?
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