syriastew.com

President Assad has reshuffled his cabinet for the third time this year, according to a report from Agence France Press. A source speaking on condition of anonymity said the changes came after a “global re-evaluation.”

What does that mean?

I’m not sure yet. I’ve often wondered what Assad’s relationship is like with those closest to him. He is a British-educated opthamologist by training and is married to a British-bred and educated woman. He has experienced a Western-style democracy first hand and enjoyed its many freedoms.

Assad is credited with some modernizing aspects of Syrian society, namely the internet. I’ve often wondered what kind of man he really is- a closet fan of democracy, with the intent one day of bringing some sort of Arab-style democracy to his country? If this is is the case, are there others inside the regime, from his father’s time of tight-fisted rule, who do not wish to see Assad move forward? Is the cabinet reshuffling Assad’s way of stamping out opposition?

Of course, this is all speculation. Maybe the guys just weren’t doing the job.

Syria Stew would welcome any analysis of the re-shuffle or Assad’s relationship with those inside the regime. I have my own theories about Assad the president. What are yours?