Normally camera-shy Syrian president makes surprise visit to arts education center . Alawite met families of those killed in ` ` Today Syria , al-Assad reports . A video posted on YouTube by al-Assad 's office shows him driving up to the building in the al-Tijara neighborhood -- at the wheel of his own car -- on Wednesday and walking inside , alone , watched by families from balconies and apartments nearby . YouTube video of visit shows al-Assad arriving at the center at the wheel of his own car . Official Syrians news agency says president , second lady later spoke to `` families of martyrs ''
Normally camera-shy Syrian president makes surprise visit to arts education center . Alawite met families of those killed in ` ` Today Syria , al-Assad reports . YouTube video of visit shows al-Assad arriving at the center at the wheel of his own car . Official Syrians news agency says president , second lady later spoke to `` families of martyrs ''