Bashar al-Assad’s latest stunt in Damascus is fooling no one. His hand-picked parliament, a body with all the independence of a soggy biscuit, rubber-stamped his re-election bid this afternoon. The vote was 250-0. Not a single dissenter. Even North Korea would blush.
But here’s the rub. This was supposed to be Assad’s moment. A chance to project strength after a decade of civil war. Instead, he looks weaker than ever. The parliament’s obsequious loyalty has exposed the hollowness of his victory. It’s a victory manufactured in back rooms, not won at the ballot box.
Downing Street was quick to react. A spokesman said the UK ‘condemns this sham process.’ Strong words. But the real action is in the corridors of the Foreign Office. Sources tell me that Boris Johnson is personally pushing for UN oversight of any future Syrian elections. It’s a bold move. One that risks a veto from Moscow. But the PM is feeling emboldened by recent polls showing public support for a tougher line on Syria.
There’s chatter in the Lobby that this could be a precursor to a wider diplomatic push. The UK is sounding out allies on a UN Security Council resolution. It’s a long shot. But the message is clear: the era of ignoring Assad’s farce is over.
The applause in the chamber was carefully timed. The vote was meticulously choreographed. And the whole performance was broadcast on state TV. But the world is watching. And the world is not buying it.
Eleanor Rigby, Political Bureau Chief
