Syria’s Assad talks reforms in bid to keep power

BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s embattled president said today his regime would consider political reforms, including ending his Baath Party’s monopoly on power. But Bashar Assad gave no sign he might step down, the key demand of nationwide protests. The opposition immediately dismissed Assad’s speech, saying it lacked any clear move toward democracy. Activists said thousands of people took to the streets to protest in several cities.