The revolt in Syria began six months ago with modest calls for reform and an insistence that there be no foreign intervention whatsoever.

But as the crackdown continues, and the death toll tops 2,200 people, the protesters are increasingly calling for some sort of outside help—although not necessarily military action like the Nato intervention that helped topple the government of Libya.

Instead, they are largely calling for observation missions and human-rights monitors who could help deter attacks on civilians.

“We want international protection!” protesters shouted in cities across the country, taking to the streets as they do every Friday after the main Muslim prayer service of the week, despite the near-certainty that regime forces will respond with deadly force.

Security forces opened fire on Friday’s marches, killing several people including a 15-year-old boy, but the death toll was not immediately clear as activists gave conflicting figures. The calls are a sign of the growing frustration—and desperation—by a remarkably resilient movement that is nonetheless stuck in a stalemate with the regime.

Assad still has the iron loyalty of the armed forces, which is key to his power. Assad and his father, who ruled before him, stacked key military posts in the overwhelmingly Sunni country with members of their minority Alawite sect, melding the fate of the army and the regime.

His main base of support also includes Syrians who have benefited financially from the regime, minority groups who feel they will be targeted if the Sunni majority takes over, and others who see no clear and safe alternative to Assad.

Still, there have been growing signs of alarm even from Syria’s strongest ally, Iran. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that Assad should back away from his violent crackdown and talk to the opposition.

(AP)