Syria's Assad Makes Rare Public Appearance

President Bashar al-Assad hasn't exactly been a man of the people since the Syrian uprising began, but today he joined thousands of supporters at a Damascus rally, the AP reports. "I wanted to be with you so I can draw strength from you in the face of everything that Syria is subjected to," said a casually-dressed Assad, who was flanked by security guards.

"It was important that we maintain our faith in the future," he continued. "I have that faith in the future and we will undoubtedly triumph over this conspiracy." Yesterday, Assad gave a rare speech, in which he threatened to fight back with an "iron fist" against the foreign conspirators he blames for the uprising. (More Bashar al-Assad stories.)