In his first public address since June, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad blamed a foreign conspiracy and terrorists for the 10-month-old popular uprising that has threatened his rule. Assad denied there was a government policy to shoot demonstrators, but he vowed to strike “terrorists with an iron fist.” Over the past 10 months, Syrian security forces have killed more than 5,000 civilians.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: “We do not close the door for the solutions or suggestions, and we do not close the door for any Arab initiative, as they respect Syrian sovereignty and the freedom of our decision and care for the unity of our nation.”

Meanwhile, new video was posted online Monday purportedly from the Syrian city of Homs. It shows protesters being dispersed by gunfire as they escort a car carrying Arab League monitors.