Unrest spread in southern Syria on Monday with hundreds of people demonstrating against the government in the town of Jassem, activists said, but authorities did not use force to quell the latest protest.The security apparatus was present and armed, but did not attack. I wonder why? The protests could just run out of steam on their own, the government might hope; while reserving massive violence if the protests don't peter out.
Security forces killed four civilians in demonstrations that erupted last week in the town of Deraa, in the most serious challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's rule since the 45-year-old succeeded his father 11 years ago.
"This is peaceful, peaceful. God, Syria, freedom," chanted the protesters in Jassem, an agricultural town 30 km (20 miles) west of Deraa.
The authorities appeared to adopt less heavy-handed tactics, choosing not to intervene against protests demanding freedom and an end to corruption and repression, but not the overthrow of Assad. The ruling Baath Party has banned opposition and enforced emergency laws since 1963.
They might have reason these days to wonder what they can get away with. And the regime has to wonder if that little bit of hope might erase enough fear in enough of their subjects that they'll take the first critical step to a better future--ejecting or killing the ruling elite that stomps on their necks every day from subtle ways to literally.
Of course, until that day when fear recedes enough to take action, apologists for the boot stompers will continue to put lipstick on the pigs.
UPDATE: Huh:
Protests spread in southern Syria Tuesday as hundreds of people marched to demand reforms in a previously peaceful village, witnesses and activists said.
Plus, there was a small protest in Damascus.
I have no idea if the protests could snowball to critical mass, but these people have courage to test the patience (and firepower) of the regime.
