But he's standing his ground ...

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/2012721102841680940.html
Tense calm in Damascus after the bombing on Wednesday and subsequent battles.

Update:
1) Neighbouring countries at a great deal at stake -Lebanon, immediate borders with Syria, serious repercussions. Turkey, Iraq and Jordan are also affected.

2) Senior members of govt not seen in public since Wed's bombing. Cut off the security's leaders. Only VP appeared, President BA is MIA.

3) Qamishli - Syrian's petroleum resources, fallen to FSA? If so, then Damascus will have more difficult time to realign the momentum in their favour.