Protests across Syria began on March 15 , 2011 after children 's arrest for graffiti . Opposition initially wanted reform ; now it wants regime out and democratic elections . Title: Why do we have to wait until the end of a sentence before you can finish? Analysts say President al-Assad is safe in short term but less so further ahead .
Protests across Syria began on March 15 , 2011 after children 's arrest for graffiti . Opposition initially wanted reform ; now it wants regime out and democratic elections . More than 8,000 people have been killed , including many women and children . Analysts say President al-Assad is safe in short term but less so further ahead .