The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the recent Syrian presidential elections:
“The elections are unfree and unfair, but that misses the point. When have elections in the Middle East ever been free or fair? Their lack of credibility and integrity never stopped dictators from having them,” said Ramzy Mardini, a non-resident fellow with the Atlantic Council who is based in Amman, Jordan.
“The imagery of Syrians going to the polls and voting makes for good propaganda with a single and clear message: Assad is here to stay.”