His Position Still Secure, Bashar al-Assad Smiles as Syria Burns Though Mr. Assad’s standing has been diminished, he is able to present himself as the leader his nation needs to get through a war for which he denies any responsibility. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Israel Reaches Agreement to Relocate Amona SettlersCardinal Paulo Evaristo Arns Dies at 95; Fought Torture in BrazilTrump’s and Xi’s Differences Magnify Uncertainties Between U.S. and ChinaWhat in the World: Being an Afghan General Is Nice Work if You Can Get It. And Many Do.Russian Military Plane Carrying 39 Crashes in SiberiaEvacuations from Aleppo Resume; Thousands Are Moved From Rebel-Held Zones