By AJE Staff, Al Jazeera, February 9, 2011

Analysts say a popular president, dreaded security forces and religious diversity make a Syrian revolution unlikely.

Also see

Syria opens up to social networks
By Lina Sinjab, BBC News, February 11, 2011, Damascus

and

Syrians Flock to Facebook
By Sarah Birke, Wall Street Journal, February 11, 2011

DAMASCUS—...Since the government lifted its ban Tuesday on the social media site—and on Facebook and Twitter—Google has reported a huge spike in use. Along with games sites such as online poker and chat forums, the social media sites are a popular form of entertainment with Syria's burgeoning youth.

The move to lift the ban, which was implemented at the end of 2007, was unexpected...

The ending of restrictions comes after Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, said he would push for change in the wake of the region's unrest.

While some Syrians view the lifting of the ban as a public-relations stunt, the response among the majority of young Syrians is the kind of enthusiasm the government was seeking....

and

What Does the Future Hold for Syria?
By George Saghir for "Syria Comment" @ Eurasia Review and Analysis, February 11, 2011