Assessing the reality and PR of the Assad regime’s political strategy of legitimacy through a Presidential election this spring:
What we have here is a performance with a very sharp political motive.
Let’s get real here. In a situation where a quarter of Syrians aren’t even in their homes anymore, in a situation where much of the country is controlled by insurgents, and — most importantly — in a situation where the regime is devoted first and foremost to the survival of President Assad….
Do you think this is going to be a real election?