
Syria's Assad Secure, Will Seek Re-Election: Hezbollah Leader:
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will run for re-election this year and no longer faces a threat of being overthrown, the head of his Lebanese Shi'ite ally Hezbollah said in an interview published on Monday. Ref. Source 5
Syria's President Assad says the Arab Spring is dead (+video)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad mocked the failures of the Arab Spring in a defiant speech at his swearing in ceremony for a third term in office today. President Assad signaled his intent to serve the full seven-year term. Ref. Source 3
US and UK should back Assad to defeat ISIS - senior UK MP:
It's unthinkable that a military operation in Iraq, spearheaded by America and its allies, can exist without some sort of "Syrian dimension," Rifkind said. "For Syria to become an ISIS safe haven - that is ludicrous," He continued. Ref. Source 6
French leader calls Assad a 'jihadist ally':
French President Francois Hollande has warned the West against working with Syria's president in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group, saying Bashar al-Assad was a principal ally of the fighters who have taken over large areas of Syria and Iraq. Ref. Source 3
Assad Says US Airstrikes Have Made ISIS Stronger; Says ISIS, Saudi Arabia Of Same Ideological Bent:
Syrian President Bashar Assad said the U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria have not been effective in the fight against the Islamic State group. In fact, he said in an interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," The terrorist group has been gaining strength and expanding its reach. Ref. Source 1