A few hundred people gathered in the streets near the presidential palace, chanting in support of Bashar as the successor, and more police than usual were on the streets in this heavily policed state. Loudspeakers at government buildings, hotels and other establishments resounded with verses from the Koran, Islam's holy scriptures. Officials said flags will be flown at half mast at all government buildings in Syria and at Syrian diplomatic missions abroad during the mourning period. Final examinations for secondary schools, which started on Saturday, were postponed for a week. The death of Assad could deal a blow to Mideast peace prospects by ushering in a prolonged period of instability, but it could also mean an opportunity for Syria to forsake at least part of its implacable enmity toward Israel, observers say.
Sadness is in the heart of every man, woman and child.
The legacy of his accomplishments and ideas is a planet that will shine not just on this generation, but also on coming generations. The United States and Israel, two countries with which Syria often is at odds, expressed sorrow. Condolences poured from the Middle East and capitals around the world. Members of the Syrian parliament cry as they learn of Assad's death Assad's rule, which began with a bloodless coup in 1970, had been dominated by the Arab-Israeli conflict. Since 1991, he had engaged in a fitful search for a negotiated peace with Israel.