Startling New Concessions Made by Syria’s Desperate President

In a speech on July 26, Assad’s mask slipped completely. Later, the state-run media SANA tried to downplay what had been said, but there was no mistaking it.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delivers a speech in Damascus, Syria, on July 26, 2015. SANA via AP

Listening to Syria’s state media is usually a predictable chore. There are daily declarations of military victories over the enemy and talk of the “heavy losses” suffered by terrorists. Perpetual progress is being made in economic development and food and electricity is always being provided. The Syrian people always stand behind a just and legitimate government. All this despite more than four years of conflict.

Still, it is useful to watch and listen. One can always read between the lines to see where the victories are far from complete, where progress has not been smooth, where the support of the people has been manufactured.

And then there are the moments when the mask slips completely to reveal the extent of the fear that dogs the Assad regime.

In a speech on July 26, Assad's mask slipped completely. Later, state-run media SANA tried to downplay what had been said, but there was no mistaking it.