Murmurings of protests in Syria, which have not yet materialized, have not led to any leadership changes in the country. However, the government has lifted its longstanding ban on Facebook and Youtube, which may be enough, at least temporarily, to satisfy demands for greater freedom and civil rights. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has enough local popularity that, coupled with rigid government control and a far-reaching security apparatus, make it unlikely he could face trouble staying in power.