Syria: Defense Minister Reshuffle Shows Nervous Regime

Syrian President Bashar al Assad appointed a new defense minister Aug. 8, naming Gen. Dawood Rajiha, a Christian, to replace Gen. Ali Habib, an Alawite. Habib's health could be deteriorating, as the Syrian government claims. But the reshuffle likely has more to do with the regime's efforts to prevent protests from spreading, while mitigating the potential of a military coup as the country's armed forces come under increasing strain.