Supporters of President al-Assad attacked the embassies of France and the United States in Damascus.

The aces and (especially) jokers were elsewhere in Damascus, as President al-Assad toured the city with them.

More recently, the Syrian foreign minister visited India and was followed a year later by President al-Assad.

President al-Assad rated Hijab's defection as rather positive by stating that it was "self-cleansing of the government firstly, and the country generally".

If President al-Assad wants peace, why is he shy?

President al-Assad underlined that no orders were given to shoot at the citizens and that no cover-up for any person would be given.

Hamza's father noted that it was President al-Assad who invited Hamza's family to listen to them about their son's death.

He added that President al-Assad during the meeting stressed forming a committee to investigate the incident to reach the truth.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Homs to demand that the Arab League take action against President al-Assad.

"There seems to be a decision somewhere, with or without the knowledge of President al-Assad, to carry on with the assassinations and continue the sabotage campaign."