Syria: Bashar al-Assad blames 'foreign conspiracy' in rare TV address "We will declare victory soon," he said in the speech broadcast live on state television. When I leave this post it will be also based upon the people's wishes. Referring to the Arab League mission, he said he "will not close doors" to any regional solution, as long as it is one that respects Syrian sovereignty. He asked what right governments including the absolute monarchies of the Gulf had to lecture Syria about democracy or reform. The first parliament in Syria was in 1917. Where were they then?" he asked. Their situation is like a doctor who smokes and recommends to his patient to give up smoking while he, the doctor, has a cigarette in his mouth. Mr Assad also accused hundreds of media outlets of working against Syria to "push us toward ... collapse." "They failed, but they have not given up," he said, standing at a podium between two Syrian flags. Mr Assad has made few public appearances since the anti-government uprising began in March, inspired by the revolutions sweeping the Arab world. The regime's crackdown on dissent has killed thousands and led to international isolation and sanctions.