A portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad lies under a pair of shoes at the Bab Al-Salam border crossing to Turkey August 1, 2012. Reuters
Leading From Behind? Syria's Invisible President -- Reuters
(Reuters) - As it spirals deeper into civil war, racked by violence, bombs and assassinations, Syria is led by an invisible president.
Since Bashar al-Assad addressed parliament in his last major public appearance in early June, rebels have taken their fight to overthrow him into Syria's two main cities, seized swathes of countryside and assassinated four of his top security officials.
Faced with such devastating setbacks, many leaders - Libya's Muammar Gaddafi springs to mind - would leap onto the public stage to reassure supporters they were still around, still in charge and ready to lead the fightback.
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My Comment: Bashar al-Assad is not a fool .... he knows that any public appearance will only make him a target. He is probably making his presence felt when meeting his generals and defense officials, as well as fellow politicians.