Western assumptions about Syria’s new leader are being tested

An explosion tore done a mosque in the Syrian metropolis of Homs Dec. 26, sidesplitting and wounding worshippers successful a vicinity associated with the country’s Alawite Muslim community. Syrian authorities said an probe was underway; a little-known violent radical aboriginal claimed responsibility. Whatever the last attribution, the onslaught was a reminder of a basal world successful post-Assad…