Assad: U.S. ‘Destabilizing’ Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday accused the U.S. of “destabilizing” his country by providing political protection to the “gangs.” In an interview with German television, Assad also accused Saudi Arabia and Qatar of arming “terrorists” in Syria—and said Turkey is providing the terrorists with logistical support. Asked if the U.S. is partially responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians in the Syrian government’s brutal crackdown, Assad answered, “Yes, of course.” Assad insisted he still has the support of his citizens. Meanwhile, United Nations special envoy Kofi Annan arrived in Damascus for a third round of talks with Assad after admitting that “the evidence shows that we have not succeeded” in ending the 16-month crackdown.