Assad Tightens His Grip

"I've been defending political prisoners since 1992. It is dangerous, but nothing will change here without a price. If the international community takes its eyes off Syria, the regime will kill the opposition in the streets."

That's Anwar al Bounni, one of Syria's few human rights lawyers, speaking less than a day before he was beaten by thugs, presumably Bashar Assad's thugs. (source)

It's the classic political reaction: Protect the base.

Here in the US, it's done through policy and pork, there it's done by making sure the wheels of repression are well oiled. Assad is facing an international firestorm over Syria's involvement in the assassination of Rafik Hariri, and Assad is sending his people a message: Don't use this as an excuse to give me any of your guff.

Like father, like son.