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For Syrians, No Easy Exit from Conflict

(New York Times) Anne Barnard - Syrians and regional analysts say sheer force alone is unlikely to eradicate what has become a diffuse and unpredictable insurgency, one able to strike out even after the government has used crushing force against centers of resistance like Homs, Idlib and Dara'a. Broad areas of the country are hostile territory for government troops, and attackers have managed to hit centers of power, even in Damascus. Many Syrians say Assad cannot afford to stop shooting. If he dials back his repression, Syrians of many political stripes say with certainty, citizens will demand his ouster. The quickest way out - if insiders were to stage a coup - also seems highly unlikely, analysts said. The security officials who might be able to overthrow him now see their fates intertwined with his. The public has suffered too much to be satisfied with a coup alone; they would seek the entire security system's downfall and, possibly, revenge.
2012-03-21 00:00:00
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