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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/08/international/middleeast/08SYRI.html
Syrians' Hopes for Freedom Remain Mostly Unfulfilled
(New York Times) Daniel J. Wakin - Some Syrians and Westerners living in Damascus say that while outright criticism of the government is taboo, people in private groups no longer fear voicing displeasure with the system. Some suggest that President Assad backed away from political reforms after being caught by surprise by how rapidly they spread, particularly at a time when he was trying to consolidate power.