BICOM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Sunday that Syrian security forces were capable of dealing with the current unrest in the country, and that he was not worried by the situation.  The Syrian dictator also promised new parliamentary elections in February 2012, in which parties other than the ruling Ba’ath would be able to participate. Assad additionally said that the committee looking into how to make reforms in Syria would need six months to complete its work.  The Syrian leader was speaking in an interview with Syrian state television, his fourth public appearance since the outbreak of the uprising against his rule in mid-March.

Few Syrian oppositionists are likely to be impressed by the announcement of elections in February.  The Syrian parliament’s function is largely to rubber-stamp decisions taken by Assad. Also, a number of parties other than the Ba’ath are already permitted to organise in Syria, though they have no chance of actual involvement in the decision-making process.  Assad’s announcement on Sunday appeared to essentially propose a continuation of this situation.