Monthly Archives: June 2011

By JONATHAN SPYER 24/06/2011 This week, beleaguered Syrian dictator Bashar Assad gave a speech in which he referred to protesters as “vandals” and re-issued a tired promise of reforms. The speech did nothing to lessen the anger of his opponents, … Continue reading →

By JONATHAN SPYER 14/06/2011 In the aftermath of the taking of Jisr al-Shughour by the Syrian army, it has become clear that the direction of events in Syria depends largely on the cohesiveness of Bashar Assad’s security forces. If the … Continue reading →