MIDDLE EAST

Syria Offers Concessions to Protesters

Withdraws troops and tanks from cities.

Could Syria be trying a less violent approach? A top government adviser said Friday that the regime is looking to heed demands of peaceful protesters, implying that the government is realizing their violent crackdown tactics have not succeeded in repressing the opposition. Tens of thousands of Syrians prayed across dozens of towns and villages on Friday after government forces attacked neighborhoods where demonstrations were being held, killing six protesters in three separate locations. The death toll was lower than it had been in past weeks. "We don't crush peaceful protesters by force. Our problem is with armed groups," said the government adviser. Tanks and troops are being pulled out of cities, and officials say committees have been formed to vote on new political party laws and start a " comprehensive national dialogue" next week.