Syrians rally in support of president

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad rallied Wednesday in central Damascus in a show of solidarity with the current government. The massive turnout in Sabaa Bahrat Square shows Assad still has a large base of support despite an ongoing uprising against his rule, The New York Times reported. A Facebook page called "My Homeland, Syria," said the rally was designed "reinforce unity and solidarity with the families of martyrs." The United Nations last week said deaths from violent clashes between Syrian government forces and pro-democracy protesters has climbed to 2,900 and thousands have been jailed and tortured in secret detention centers. Television footage shows tens of thousands of demonstrators Wednesday holding Syrian flags and pictures of Assad and of his father, who ruled Syria for decades, the newspaper said.