Syrian President Makes First Speech Since Deadly Protests Began

Bashar al-Assad blamed 'conspirators' for the wave of unrest gripping the country.

In the wake of a government crackdown that has killed at least 60 protesters since March 18, the Syrian president took to the airwaves and warned that “conspirators” were attempting to “bring down Syria.” While thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to stage unprecedented pro-reform demonstrations, there remains strong support for Bashar, whose family has ruled the country for four decades. Protesters’ demands for reform led to the resignation of the Syrian government last week and a pledge to lift the emergency law that has stifled dissent in the country for 50 years. The state also announced other reforms, including the release of political prisoners and the easing of restrictions on the media.