ASSAD'S ATTEMPT TO DIVIDE AND CONQUER     

It appears the meeting today in Damascus was seen for exactly what it was, an attempt by Assad's government to divide the opposition.

What I found frightening was the Western media depiction of the event only being a ploy by Assad to show he willingness to 'talk'.

Assad's goal was more than just window dressing for the media.

His, or his brother's, goal was and is to divide the opposition.

Assad knows the one real weakness in the Syrian revolt is the lack of a centralized movement.

If Iran has coached him on anything it is to keep the rebellion from truly forming a allegiance.  

Assad also knows today  'stunt' can possibly go a long ways to showing the Business Class, Sunni leadership that things are still manageable.

Yep, today's event was a two part plan.

One; create division amongst the opposition.

Two; prove to the key supporters of the current Syrian government all is not lost, yet!

So; will it work?

I think the first part of the operation may have some impact.

The fact that some of the rebellion leadership refused to show up is a good sign from Assad's perspective.

How they respond to today's events will be interesting to watch. ( The opposition that is.)

 Part two of this event will probably not net Assad the results he needs.

The Sunni Business Class leadership is worried about one major issue; the Syrian economy.

Pulling these group into a Sectarian fight has been and will continue to be difficult for the opposition.

Having said that, Assad knows all too well, if these key business leaders think the economy of Syria is on the brink, and it is, then they may jump ship.

For them to do so would spell the end for Assad and he knows it.

I don't look for Assad to take this quietly if it does happen.

If you see Assad making a move on the key leaders of this group, you know he believes the end is near.

Today was an interesting day to the casual observer  watching events in Syria.

To the rest of us, today was yet another desperate attempt by Assad to hold onto power.

Did it work?

Lets watch the next few days and see what comes of this 'stunt'.