Syrian Revolution Digest, March 31, 2011
The main topic in the media reports about Syria on Thursday were the reactions to the long-awaited speech of President Bashar Al-Assad. After the reform promises previously made by his adviser Bouthaina Shaaban, it was generally expected that Assad would announce further reforms and start a dialogue with the protesters. None of these expectations were met. Disappointment and shock prevailed after the speech, and protests continued immediately, mainly in Lattakia, leading to more violent clashes between protesters and security forces. In brief, President Assad accused foreign elements to be behind the turmoil as part of “a continued conspiracy against this country” and denied that it was a genuine desire for freedom that brought people to the streets. In Assad´s words: “And I am sure you all know that Syria is facing a great conspiracy whose tentacles extend to some nearby countries and far-away countries, with some inside the country.”
Any reforms that might be discussed have nothing to do with the “new fashion which they call revolution” according to the president but were being discussed long before within the regular political process. He refrained from making any specific promises or announcements. During his speech, Assad was repeatedly interrupted by interventions from members of parliament, offering him their support and praising him. In front of the parliament, thousands had gathered for a pro-government demonstration that was, according to Human Rights activists, organized by the regime itself by bringing busloads of people to the capital.
From Social Media Networks
Daraa
Short film about the city of Daraa on Al Aljazeera
Video of ambulance team witness on Daraa attacks, 20 Mar 2011
Video released today on Daraa massacre showing random shooting at peaceful protesters
Video about students’ demonstrations in Daraa with the chant “topple Bashar the dog”
Video showing a funeral of a martyr in Alhrak city with the chant “topple topple Bashar”
Lattakia
Video about protests and attacks in Lattakia after Bashar’s speech
Video released today of a martyr at a demonstration in Lattakia after Bashar’s speech
Video released today of the Martyr Samir Allebbad at yesterday’s protest
Video released today of Lattakia’s attacks. Old people were targeted too
Video released today of Lattakia’s attacks at the train station square
Swaida
New video of Swaida people strike at Sultan Basha Al Atrash square
Homs
Video of demonstrations in Homs
Bulgaria
Video of Syrians protesting in Bulgaria against the Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime Response
Report from pro-regime SyriaNews about Lattakia’s uprising
From Syrian Revolution Youth Media
Song “Raise the head proudly” by Yahya Haowwa
Declaration of solidarity from Egyptian Revolution Youth with the Syrian Revolution Youth
Song “Why you still love him?” produced by the Syrian Revolution Youth
Song “The Friday of Martyrs”
Video summary of the book “The Nature of Despotism” by Abdulahman Kawakibi
Song “O’Syrian break the constraint”
Song “I’ll write the name of my country on the sun” in support to the Friday of Martyrs Song “We will stay here” courtesy of Syrian Revolution Youth
Some TV & Media Coverage
Video appeal for young Kurds to participate in the peaceful Syrian revolution Orient TV,
an Intervention of Dr. Abdul Razzaq Eid commenting on Assad’s speech Al-Arabiya Channel,
on Panorama program, the responses to Assad’s speech, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4
Al-Jazeera report on the events in Syria in the morning bulletin
Video summarizes the interventions of the Syrian Parliament’s members during the Assad’s speech
Al-Arabiya report on the steps of Al-Assad to further reform
An article by Robert Fisk in the British press about the Syrian Revolution and the Assad’s speech
Video of the U.S. administration reaction to Assad’s speech
Analysis and comment on Assad’s speech in the Spanish press on Al-Jazeera
Middle East Newspaper, Article about Israel’s preference for Assad’s dictatorship
Amnesty International’s report on Assad’s speech and his refusal to reform
Middle East Newspaper report about demonstrations of Lattakia and shooting on the demonstrators
Al-An TV, comments of Mohiyddien Laziqani on Assad’s speech
Reuters report on Assad’s speech and the emergency law
Al-Quds Al-Arabi Newspaper, an article by Abdul Bari Atwan, entitled “I wish he kept silence” commentting on Assad’s speech
Video summarizes the history of the Syrian Parliament since the seventies of last century
BBC Arabic interview with Mr. Abdul Baset Hammo commenting on Assad’s speech and the decision of Kurds participation in Friday protests.
FRANCE 24 commenting on the events of Syria Dialogue about
This digest was produced in cooperation with Kafa Samtan and the Strategic Research and Communication Centre.
