The Damascus Spring

Published: Feb. 23, 2012, 9:26 a.m.

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Twelve years ago following the death of President Hafez al-Assad, Syria experienced a brief burst of freedom.

When his son Bashar, first came to power he promised democracy and change.

For a few months opposition politicians were allowed to meet and speak openly.

Photo: Bashar al-Assad (l) Hafez al-Assad (r). Credit: AFP

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