Syrians have voted for members of a new parliament in an election that is expected to hold few surprises. The vote, the fourth since the start of the civil war in 2011, comes as the country continues to grapple with the conflict and its devastating consequences. Syrians who have fled the country due to the war are not eligible to vote in parliamentary elections. The outcome of the election could potentially pave the way for a constitutional amendment to extend the term of President Bashar Assad, whose current term would end in 2028 under the existing term limits. The election has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the process, given the ongoing conflict and the limited political freedoms in the country. The international community will closely monitor the election and its implications for the future of Syria [353c0926].
The extension of the national emergency on Syria by the United States underscores the ongoing concerns about the actions of the Syrian government and its impact on regional and international security. The US recognizes the need to address the threat posed by the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons and its support for terrorist organizations. By extending the national emergency, the US reaffirms its commitment to protecting its national security interests and supporting the Syrian people in their quest for peace and justice [e5cf4e11].