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Syria's Assad Makes Rare Public Appearance

Bashar al-Assad tells supporters he wants to 'draw strength' from them

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 11, 2012 8:13 AM CST

(Newser) – President Bashar al-Assad hasn't exactly been a man of the people since the Syrian uprising began, but today he joined thousands of supporters at a Damascus rally, the AP reports. "I wanted to be with you so I can draw strength from you in the face of everything that Syria is subjected to," said a casually-dressed Assad, who was flanked by security guards.

"It was important that we maintain our faith in the future," he continued. "I have that faith in the future and we will undoubtedly triumph over this conspiracy." Yesterday, Assad gave a rare speech, in which he threatened to fight back with an "iron fist" against the foreign conspirators he blames for the uprising.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delivers a speech during a rare public appearance in Damascus on January 11, 2012.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delivers a speech during a rare public appearance in Damascus on January 11, 2012.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
cascadoux
Jan 11, 2012 8:38 AM CST
Your future does not look too promising.  Go ahead and draw all the strength you want now, but keep in mind, like those who've paraded their arrogance before, you too will fall, and when you do, you will be wishing you had been just a tad kinder. The people will prevail!
 

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