DAY 33 - APRIL 21, 2011

In further efforts to deride mounting anti-government sentiment, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad announces the end of the 50-year "state of emergency" law, which bans gatherings of more than five people. In turn, Assad also abolishes the Supreme State Security Court thereby allowing peaceful demonstrations to be carried out. Protesters, seeking more concessions from the Syrian government, plan, for the following day, the biggest demonstration to date. It's dubbed, "the Great Friday."

Both you and Ali admit to yourselves that, even though you are not taking part, the protests seem to be advancing the civil order of Syria. Assad's reforms have come as a surprise to many, including you, and transiently you consider becoming more proactive in the Syrian opposition movement. You consider that, even though it is dangerous, the odds of being hurt during tomorrow's demonstration seem less likely, given its massive projected turnout. Both you and Ali think that it might be a shame if Assad is eventually ousted and neither of you played a part in the revolution. On Al Jazeera you hear that NATO is intensifying their airstrikes against Gaddafi's forces in Libya. You think Syria will never get to that point. You think Assad might be a tyrant but he is not a maniac like Gaddafi. There are no silly uniforms or wrap around sunglasses on Assad. You think that you and he want to equally avoid the destruction of Syria. You think he will step down just like Mubarak did in Egypt. You ponder if you want to be a part of history tomorrow...