Tag Archives: Bashar Assad

Trip by Saudi Royal Unlikely to Herald Radical Change

Posted on March 17, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 19/10/2009 The Syrian Al-Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday that a two-day visit by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was due to begin that day. The talks, Al-Watan noted, would conclude with the signing of a joint agreement … Continue reading →

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What Does Assad Want?

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 08/03/2010 In Damascus last week, the full array of leaders of the so-called ‘resistance bloc’ came together in a series of meetings. Presidents Ahmedinejad of Iran and Assad of Syria were there, alongside a beaming Khaled Meshal of … Continue reading →

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Rewarding Bad Behavior

Posted on March 16, 2011 by jonathanspyer

Global Politician- 12/01/2011 US President Barack Obama’s recent decision to appoint a new ambassador to Damascus is further proof positive of the effectiveness of the strategy pursued by Syria over the last half decade. It also showcases the sense that … Continue reading →

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The Weatherman and the Wind

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

05/04/2010 Bob Dylan wrote that “you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” With great respect to Dylan, however, if you are truly looking to ascertain the direction of the winds in a particular place and … Continue reading →

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The Culture of Tyranny

Posted on March 15, 2011 by jonathanspyer

13/02/2008 The ancient city of Damascus received another mark of recognition last week. Following in the wake of Liverpool – which was recognized as the European Capital of Culture, and Stavanger in Norway, which was named the non-EU European Capital … Continue reading →

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Iran-Syria Alliance in Harmony

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

01/06/2009 President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and President Bashar Assad of Syria reconfirmed the close alliance between their two countries during the Iranian president’s visit to Damascus this week. Ahmadinejad’s visit came on the eve of the return of two … Continue reading →

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An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

24/10/2008 The decree by President Bashar Assad announcing the establishing of full diplomatic relations between Damascus and Beirut represents the latest stage in the emergence of Syria from diplomatic isolation. On a symbolic level, the announcement appears to suggest Syria’s … Continue reading →

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Making Mischief in Damascus

Posted on March 9, 2011 by jonathanspyer

01/10/2008 As the days pass since the car bombing in the southern suburbs of Damascus, furious speculation is continuing as to who was responsible. No organization has taken responsibility – leaving the rumor mill free to grind on. The Syrian … Continue reading →

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