Critics say Assad hasn't fulfilled pledges

DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Despite President Bashar Assad's pledges to make political changes, it's still business as usual in Syria, where dissent is met with violence, observers said.

Critics pooh-poohed the government's belief a new constitution is a major concession, and will bring pluralism and end the unrest, The New York Times reported Wednesday.

"Nine months into this crisis the government has nothing to offer except a military, security solution," said Syrian dissident Hassan Abdel Azim, 79.

Critics also said Assad has yet to fulfill his repeated pledges to make political changes since he inherited the presidency from his father in 2000. A national dialogue, promised since March, has stalled, with the opposition demanding the violence end first.

While the government said it lifted the state of emergency that negated human rights since it was put in place in 1963, the government still shoots and kills protesters, critics told the Times.

Assad's government said it is protecting its citizens from thugs who have the backing of outside forces.

"We are making all the steps that need to be made for our people and for our country," said Buthaina Shaaban, one of Assad's advisers.

The United Nations has put the death toll at at least 4,000 civilians. Government opponents estimate the number of political prisoners ranges from 15,000 to more than 40,000.