It’s hard to imagine what assurances Bashar al-Assad could give at this point, but United Nations envoy Kofi Annan says he’s received “further clarifications” from the Syrian leader and that he plans to abide by the peace plan. So far, Assad has responded to the peace plan by increasing attacks on the opposition, reportedly killing at least 100 people yesterday. “If everyone respects it I think by six in the morning on Thursday we shall see improved conditions on the ground,” said Annan.