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Syrian Rebels Land Deadly Blow to Assad's Inner Circle
(New York Times) Neil MacFarquhar - The killing on Wednesday of President Bashar al-Assad's key security aides in a brazen bombing attack close to Assad's own residence dealt a potent blow to the Syrian government. It targeted the very cabinet ministers and intelligence chiefs who have coordinated the government's iron-fisted approach to the uprising. The bombing pierced the psychological advantage that Assad's superior military strength has provided in preserving the loyalty of his forces and frightening much of the public into staying home. With the opposition energized and the government demoralized, analysts wondered if other military units and trusted lieutenants would be more inclined to switch sides.