NEWSMAX: An estimated 1 million Syrians took to the streets Friday to press for the ouster of President Bashar Assad, whose use of force and offers of dialogue have failed to stop a four-month revolt. At least 32 protesters were killed around the country, including more than 20 in the capital of Damascus.
In a significant show of the uprising’s strength, thousands of demonstrators turned out in Damascus, which had seen only scattered protests. Until now, much of the dissent against Assad has been in impoverished, remote areas.
“This is the heart of the regime,” David Schenker, director of the Program on Arab Politics at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told The Associated Press. “So I think if these protests (in Damascus) continue and gain strength, it will be the beginning of the end of the regime.”.. (more)
