Hi there,

Independent media is more important than ever. Speaking up and telling the truth is becoming increasingly dangerous. Because we are only sponsored by you—not by governments or corporations—we can continue to bring you courageous journalism in a landscape filled with disinformation. If every person who came here for news this month gave just $15, we would be fully funded for a year. Thanks to a group of generous donors, all donations today will be TRIPLED, which means your $15 gift is worth $45. If you believe that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential to the functioning of a democratic society, please donate today. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you so much.

Democracy Now!
Amy Goodman

Hi there,

Non-commercial news needs your support.

We rely on contributions from you, our viewers and listeners to do our work. If you visit us daily or weekly or even just once a month, now is a great time to make your monthly contribution.

Please do your part today.

Donate

Independent Global News

Donate

Independent Global News

Editions

English

Español

Follow

Democracy Now!

Hot Topics

Syrian President Assad Claims Foreign Conspiracy Behind Protests

HeadlineJan 10, 2012

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.

The original content of this program is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. Please attribute legal copies of this work to democracynow.org. Some of the work(s) that this program incorporates, however, may be separately licensed. For further information or additional permissions, contact us.