Syria’s new parliament is a who’s who of Assad loyalists. 70 individuals, handpicked by the regime, have taken their seats in Damascus. It is a carefully staged show of continuity. But don’t call it a fresh start.
Downing Street was quick to slam the door on normalisation. The UK’s position is clear. No business as usual with a regime that has gassed its own people. The Foreign Office has already briefed that any talk of reopening the embassy in Damascus is premature. Leaked Whitehall cables suggest internal divisions: some diplomats argue engagement is pragmatic, but the political cost is too high.
What does this mean for the game? The government is treading carefully. They are watching backbench mood. Labour’s left flank is restless, demanding tougher action. Meanwhile, the Tories are split between humanitarian hawks and those who whisper about refugee returns. One source told me the PM’s team is spooked by polling that shows public opinion is firmly against any handshake with Assad.
This parliament is a hollow shell. It exists only to rubber-stamp further consolidation of power. The UK knows this. That is why the answer remains a firm no. For now.
