Quote Originally Posted by Neo View Post
Quote Originally Posted by OhOh View Post
Assad won a seven year term just last year I believe.. This would put to bed whether or not the current Syrian leader has the support of the people.
To be fair here, I don't think there was much that was democratic about the process, as with Putin's own 'popular' mandate. A 7 year term is a very long time to be in power before the 'option' of change. He's ruled for 15 years and took over from his father who ruled for 30.

Assad.. total scumbag willing to kill his own people to remain in power.
Unfortunately at this point the complete implosion of Syria is a far more alarming prospect.

However, as much as many abhor Putin's presence he has at least persuaded Assad to hold an election... okay so based on the Russian model of free and fair elections that doesn't really hold much water, but at least it is aiming at a political solution to the ongoing carnage and will hopefully give the opposition Syrians a platform for their grievances.

Syria's Assad says ready to hold presidential election with people's blessing | Reuters
If Putin forces him to hold a free and fair election, I'm all for it.

But Putin isn't exactly a fucking beacon of democracy, is he?