Speaking today on the nation’s state television network, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced a general amnesty for all political prisoners, as well as reduced sentences for a number of felonies.
The move appears to be an acknowledgement that the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters isn’t working, as well as an effort to placate growing international condemnation by finally delivering on at least one of the long-promised reforms.
At the same time, exactly how far the amnesty extends remains unclear. The SANA news agency reported that it extended to the Muslim Brotherhood, membership in which was grounds for execution in the nation, but the agency also reported some death sentences being commuted to life sentences of hard labor.
Needless to say, in the wake of months of violent crackdown there is considerable skepticism that the move is anything more than a public relations stunt. Still, as it is amply clear that violence isn’t resolving the crackdown, so it is possible that the regime is attempting to resolve the situation with reforms instead.
I guess as long as Russia has a naval base in Syria, the people there can't get any love from Obama? I guess as long as Iran has chemical weapons and friends in China and Russia, neither do they? Bahrain is supported by the Saudis, so they have to make due, same with Yemen…...the guy the UN invited to come to New York and speak at their assembly because he has 'showed his commitment to brotherhood, and building peace with all nations'....Gaddafi, is now being under attack by the US who invoked a resolution they passed intended to prevent such an intervention