Syria: Assad speech offers little new

I guess it could be said that Assad had his chance to make the necessary political changes but he blew it.

This reminded me of what happened in South Africa in 1985 with President P. W. Botha's infamous Rubicon Speech.

Additionally from Great expectations: Pres. PW Botha’s Rubicon speech of 1985

Spurning the expectations of bold reforms, Botha projected himself as the uncompromising leader of a white minority determined to fight to the end for its survival. The speech triggered a massive outflow of capital and intensified sanctions against South Africa. A line in Botha’s speech, “Today we have crossed the Rubicon”, promptly became the object of scorn and ridicule.
Perhaps Assad has given HIS Rubicon Speech and as such doomed his regime as a result?