… another dubious gesture by Assad:
Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, has ordered troops not to fire on pro-democracy demonstrators, a rights campaigner has told Reuters news agency. This came ahead of Friday prayers that have become a rallying point for protesters in the country's now eight-week long uprising.
EA:
Bashar al-Assad may have already showed how serious he is at protecting protesters. A source with family in Daraa and Damascus has this report: "The young man Nadeem of Bab Dreeb #Homs has been martyred by gunfire of security forces against protesters #Syria"
A more recent update drives home that reality:
Al Jazeera is confirming that secret police have opened fire on protesters in the Bab Dreib neighborhood of Homs, Syria. At least one protester has been killed. It is interesting to note that, while there is a huge army presence in the city, plain clothed police are reportedly to blame for the shoot[ing]. … Also, two eyewitnesses report snipers on the roof tops.
Enduring America has already compiled many clips from today, including the female-filled march seen above.
The Dish 