Syria holds first post-Assad elections

Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections between September 15 and 20, following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, chaired by Mohammed Taha al-Ahmed, is organizing the process. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa will appoint one-third of the 210 seats, with the remaining two-thirds to be elected through provincial electoral colleges. A temporary constitution, signed by Ahmed al-Sharaa in March, established an interim parliament. The announcement comes amidst heightened political divisions and sectarian violence in the southern province of Suwayda, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths. Syrian government forces intervened in these clashes, reportedly siding with Bedouin clans against the Druze minority. Israel also intervened, launching airstrikes on Syrian government forces and the Defense Ministry headquarters, citing the defense of the Druze minority.