Syria has been wracked by massive protests since the end of January of this year. President Bashar Assad, who was seen as a reformer, however, has failed to hear the voices of his people. As a result, what first started as peaceful protests have erupted into violent confrontation. What first started in the country as a peaceful movement, inspired by the events of Tunisia and Egypt has become the main issue of Syrian politics. Because President Assad has refused to follow the voices of his people and reform Syrian politics, Damascus now faces major defections in the army. Latest reports indicate, that the country may indeed begin to come apart at its seams. (more…)