Syrian President Bashar al Assad has lived to lead another day. On Wednesday, July 16, Assad was sworn in for his third seven-year term as president of Syria. This happened despite the civil war that began as an objection to his rule. In fact, Assad held an elaborate swearing-in ceremony to mark the occasion and supposedly broadcasted it live on state-run TV.
Read Also: Assad Faces Election in Syria
Assad marked the occasion by announcing the country’s victory over terrorism and declared that those who back his opposition would pay dearly for it. As reported by The Associated Press, during the ceremony, Assad boasted, “They wanted it to be a revolution, but you were the real rebels. They failed in trying to brainwash you, or break your will.” Assad’s forces have been consistently pushing rebels back for the last year, largely due to rebel infighting that began in January. The entire speech went on for eighty minutes.
Despite international callings for Assad to step down, he has refused to do so. This past election Assad won in a landslide with 88.7 percent of the votes. Those living in rebel controlled areas were unable to vote, eliminating millions of “voters.” The international community views the election as little more than a sham.
Assad has told his country over and over that the strife they feel is all due to a Western-backed conspiracy carried out by terrorists. Fighting continued across the country, including the capital, during the election. The state-run news agency reported that four people were killed in bombings in Damascus, while another thirty were injured. The violence caused the inauguration ceremony to be held at the presidential palace instead of the Syrian parliament.
Assad said during his speech that the Syrian people were the real winners because they let their voices be heard. He elaborated, “Congratulations for your victory and congratulations for Syria and its people who have defied all kinds of terrorism.” However, he failed to mention the ISIS forces that had taken a chunk of land from Syria in recent months.
Regardless, the win does not come as a surprise to the people. Assad’s family has ruled Syria for the last four decades. Many speculated the only way Assad is leaving his palace is in a body bag.
Comment Template