Syrians are heading to the polls in a parliamentary election that is not expected to bring any surprises, as President Bashar al-Assad’s Baath party is widely anticipated to maintain its grip on power. The election has been criticized by opposition groups and Western governments as a sham, with little room for genuine competition. Despite the ongoing civil war and international sanctions, Assad’s regime remains firmly in control, making any significant changes in the political landscape highly unlikely.
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Once a pro-Iran bastion, Damascus shrine district now in rebel hands
Shortly before Sunni Islamist-led rebels took over the Syrian capital, Iran-backed guards fled their posts at the gates of the Sayyida Zeinab shrine in Damascus. Hezbollah fighters also left the area, leaving residents worried about the new guards. Despite assurances from the rebels, there is unease among the Shiite community in Syria, especially those associated with Iran-backed groups. Full Article
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