by Calculated Risk on 4/15/2011 09:54:00 PM

From the LA Times: Syria protests swell as tens of thousands turn out

Antigovernment demonstrations sweeping Syria appeared to have crossed a threshold in size and scope, with protesters battling police near the heart of the capital and the protest movement uniting people from different regions, classes and religious backgrounds against the regime.

Tens of thousands of people turned out across the country Friday, dismissing minor concessions offered a day earlier by President Bashar Assad. The demonstrators called for freedom, the release of political prisoners and, in some instances, the downfall of the government, echoing demands for change across the Arab world.

Momentum seemed to be with the protesters.

We live in interesting times.

Earlier:
• Industrial Production, Capacity Utilization increased in March
• From the Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates faster growth in April
• From Bloomberg: Greece May Need Debt Restructuring, Schaeuble Tells Die Welt
• First Look at 2012 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments and Maximum Contribution Base