When a surgeon performs an operation to treat a wound "do we say to him: 'Your hands are covered in blood'" Assad asked? "Or do we thank him for saving the patient?"

A curious analogy to be sure.

Here's the only thing that concerns me about the end of Bashar al-Assad's reign -- what follows?

The Shah was pretty awful -- but he seems warm and cuddly compared to what came after? The Czar was a genuine monster -- but again, in comparison his reign was a model of freedom and respect for civil rights.

Now Assad's assertion the massacre in Houla was outsiders is absurd. But it does reflect an understanding that the massacre was a blot on his regime. Perhaps Assad has time still to establish a new order? If not an imploding Syria will be a source of problems for the entire region:


http://m.timesofindia.com/world/middle-east/Bashar-al-Assad-says-Houla-killings-monstrous-crisis-will-end/articleshow/13794574.cms

BEIRUT/AMMAN: Syrian president Bashar al-Assad condemned on Sunday the "abominable" massacre of more than 100 people in Houla, saying even monsters could not carry out such acts, and promised a 15-month-old crisis would end soon if Syrians pulled together.

Assad repeated earlier pledges to enforce a crackdown on opponents he says are terrorists carrying out a foreign conspiracy, while offering dialogue with opposition figures who had avoided armed conflict or outside backing.