Qadhafi's death emboldens anti-Assad protesters in Syria

The killing of Libya's Muammar Qadhafi fuelled anti-government rallies across Syria after Friday prayers and security forces killed 13 people in a continued crackdown on protesters seeking President Bashar al-Assad's ouster, activists said. Protesters found a heavier than normal security presence in Syria on the day after Qadhafi's death, which could embolden protesters across an Arab world where unrest has toppled three autocratic leaders this year and challenged others like Assad.
Most of Friday's killings were in the central city of Homs and in Hama to the north, both hotbeds of anti-Assad protests and the targets of major military operations to put them down. Homs, the city of one million, has also witnessed a nascent insurgency emerging after repeated attempts by tank-backed troops to suppress demonstrations calling for an end to 41 years of Assad family rule and more political freedoms. "Qadhafi is finished. It's your turn now Bashar!" shouted demonstrators in the town of Maaret al-Numaan in the north-western province of Idlib, according to one witness.
"Prepare yourself Assad!" chanted protesters in the town of Tayyana in the tribal province of Deir al-Zor, on the border with Iraq. Assad, an ophthalmologist who inherited power from his late father in 2000, strengthened ties with Qadhafi months before the tide of popular Arab unrest against repressive ruling elites erupted in Tunisia in December.
The two countries struck a series of co-operation deals and Assad later allowed a Syrian-based satellite station to broadcast messages from Qadhafi while he was on the run. He was killed in unclear circumstances after his capture on Thursday.
The opposition movements Syria and Libya were drawn closer by what an activist called "enduring the same tyranny." Libya's new rulers were quick and alone so far to recognise Syria's opposition National Council, formed this month in Istanbul, as the legitimate authority in Syria. Activists and residents said Syrian authorities have stepped up security in several cities and towns including the Damascus suburbs and Talbiseh near Homs.
In the town of Houla north-west of Homs, a crowd of several thousands held shoulders and waved old Syrian flags dating to before Assad's Baath party took power in a coup 48 years ago. "Doctor (Assad), you are next!" read banners carried by the villagers, according to live video footage.