Bashshar Al-Asad's illness

Two weeks ago, all the Arab media which are loyal to Gulf interests, wrote stories about an illness which hit Bashshar Al-Asad. There was unanimity that he had a stroke.  Yet, once he appeared, none would even concede that they made up the story.  Western media reported it (including the Independent) and none conceded that they merely carried "Fake news" stories from Gulf intelligence kitchens.