Syrian protesters called for greater freedom Sunday as demonstrations spread across the country on its 65th Independence Day.
Despite promises by President Bashar Assad to lift the nation's emergency laws, protesters gathered in Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, as well as the southern city of Suweida, chanting "G-d, freedom, Syria, that's all."
Assad's promises did not include dismantling the government's firm security system. But the president told protesters he would lift the 50-year-old emergency laws by next week, although gave no details as to exactly when.
Despite what appear to be nationwide protests, however, it is still not clear as to how much of a threat to Assad's power base the demonstration might constitute.
In a population of some 20 million people, protests by several hundred -- or even several thousand -- may not effect much of a change in the government.
Some 200 protesters have been killed in the past month as unrest swept the country, starting March 18 in Dera'a. The first rally began as a protest against the arrest of youths in the town after they were caught spray painting Tunisia rebel-inspired grafitti.
Protesters have called for the government to act against corruption. Numerous members of Assad's family hold powerful positions that affect the country's economy. Although Assad has agreed that corruption is an issue, he has not offered any specific remedy for the problem.