Comrade Hussein sent me this about Asad's speech (I cite with his permission): "Principles aside, I think the Syrian president made a political mistake today..It reminded me of the fatal mistake that Khameni committed following the 2009 elections: he was too confident in his abilities and support that he disrespected the people thinking they can be bullied. Bashar did the same, expect for the fact that he does not have an ideological support base like Khamnei. He will have to make concesions soon, but they will be humiliating. The first speech is what sets the tone of the whole symphony."