Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives a delegation from the United Nations Security Council at the presidential palace in Damascus on Dec. 4, 2025. (Credit: Louai Bechara/AFP)
On Nov. 29, 2025, on the first anniversary of the liberation of Aleppo, before an audience of civilians and soldiers, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa offered his congratulations to the residents of the battered city. With a hint of mischief, he commented, unexpectedly, on the process for selecting members of Parliament.He justified his prerogative to appoint 30 percent of MPs by the need to correct any imbalance within the chamber.“Our society is patriarchal and does not want women in Parliament,” he said with regret as he referred to the small number of women elected in the October vote — only five. “Some would like the president to select women so they can then accuse him of being a flirt,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.He then pledged to work toward balanced representation of women and of Syrian communities in the...
On Nov. 29, 2025, on the first anniversary of the liberation of Aleppo, before an audience of civilians and soldiers, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa offered his congratulations to the residents of the battered city. With a hint of mischief, he commented, unexpectedly, on the process for selecting members of Parliament.He justified his prerogative to appoint 30 percent of MPs by the need to correct any imbalance within the chamber.“Our society is patriarchal and does not want women in Parliament,” he said with regret as he referred to the small number of women elected in the October vote — only five. “Some would like the president to select women so they can then accuse him of being a flirt,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.He then pledged to work toward balanced representation of women and of Syrian communities in...