Syria: Regime in state of denial

Dubai: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s comments are not new. Since the beginning of the conflict, he seems to be dangerously detached from the reality on the ground — insisting that he is defending his population from foreign terrorists.

Perhaps what has happened today is a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy and the lack of international support for the Syrian opposition has led to an upsurge in foreign fighters with murky ties to Al Qaida.

It is a dangerous escalation of the conflict, which Al Assad only has himself to blame for his sheer stubbornness in instituting real reforms through his tenure.

His continual refusal to leave power while Syrians die by the hundreds every day is indicative of the long bloody conflict that has passed and is still yet to come.

His interview comes after months of slipping off the radar, while many observers believe he has largely been sidelined by more militant elements of the regime that have taken over operations.

Still the question persists, how many more will die before the conflict is resolved? Will the long-term effects of Syrian refugees be a problem that neighbouring countries will face for years to come?

Russia, so far has not given any hints that they will compromise their support for the regime. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry has indicated that the US could boost support to the opposition significantly, which could be a deciding factor in bringing the conflict to an end quicker.