In a rare public appearance, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad re-declares war on his foes.<br/> <br />With the death toll more than 60,000 in the fight between government forces and rebels, Assad remained defiant as he spoke to supporters at a Damascus opera house Sunday.<br/> <br />"We are now in a state of war in every sense of the word. We are now confronting a vicious, external war," he said, repeating familiar accusations of terrorism and blaming foreign interference for the conflict.<br/> <br />He also thanked his few remaining allies - Russia, China and Iran - for respecting Syria's sovereignty.<br/> <br />"Revolutions are based upon knowledge and thought, not ignorance. A revolution is based upon boosting the nation forward, not bringing it back centuries," he added.<br/> <br />International diplomatic efforts have repeatedly failed to bring compromise.<br/> <br />The Syrian president said his government has always been open to dialogue but only with peaceful opponents.<br/> <br />Following his nearly hour-long speech, the audience swarmed the president, chanting "God, Syria and Bashar is enough!"
