Syria to Hold Presidential Election
Syria is set to hold a presidential election in late May. The current Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is widely expected to win reelection. President Assad has ruled Syria since 2000, upon the death of his father. He was last up for reelection in 2014 where he won 92% of the vote. International observers claim that this year’s election will be similar to the 2014 election, which was fraught with irregularities. Additionally, no serious opposition candidate has emerged to challenge Mr. Assad.
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Download the PowerPoint Lecture Spark for “Syria to Hold Presidential Election"
Links
“Syria to hold election in May after years of war”
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56791930
“Syria sets May date for presidential election opposition says is farce”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/syria-sets-may-date-for-presidential-election-opposition-says-is-farce
“War-torn Syria to hold presidential elections on May 26”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/18/war-torn-syria-to-hold-presidential-elections-on-may-26
“Presidential elections in Syria to take place on May 26, says Parliament speaker”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/presidential-elections-in-syria-to-take-place-on-may-26-says-parliament-speaker-101618743120061.html
“Syrian opposition calls to boycott presidential elections”
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/syrian-opposition-calls-to-boycott-presidential-elections/news
“Syrian envoy to Russia stresses no country has right to interfere in Syrian elections”
https://tass.com/world/1270443
“Syrian refugees decry ‘illegitimate’ elections by Assad”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syrian-refugees-decry-illegitimate-elections-by-assad/2213526
“The Imperative to Maintain Focus in Syria | Opinion”
https://www.newsweek.com/imperative-maintain-focus-syria-opinion-1583346
Assessment
- Writing: Describe some of the challenges confronting Syria and President Assad.
- Debate: The U.S. and the international community should provide more aid and assistance to help create stability within Syria.
- Poll: Should the international community recognize President Assad as the legitimate leader of Syria?
- Short Answer: What are the consequences if Syria becomes a failed state?
Current events quiz:
1) All the following are consequences of Syria’s civil war EXCEPT:
a. Millions have been forced to flee their homes.
b. The use of nuclear weapons on innocent civilians.
c. Hundreds of thousands have died.
d. Russia has provided help to Assad and his government.
2) Which event prompted Syria’s civil war?
a. The government crackdown on peaceful protesters.
b. The assassination of a top political leader.
c. The reduction in wages and economic stagnation.
d. The desire to restore the royal family to power.
3) Why does the Syrian government claim the economy has worsened?
a. The pandemic and corresponding reduction in trade.
b. An environmental disaster that stopped oil production.
c. Sanctions implemented by Western countries.
d. Corruption by leaders of the largest financial institutions.
4) Bashar al-Assad and his family have ruled Syria for the last 100 years. (T/F)
5) Syria is currently experiencing some of the worst fighting in the last 10 years. (T/F)
6) President al-Assad is not expected to face a serious opposition candidate. (T/F)
Answers:
1) B
2) A
3) C
4) False
5) False
6) True
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Featured Image Credit: Kremlin.ru
