Syria faces both external and internal pressures as new parliament is elected

Syria (MNN) — Syria’s first parliamentary elections since the former Assad regime fell are set for this weekend. But both external and internal pressures are at play. “Anytime there's an election in our part of the world, it's always a little spicy,” saysSamuel* from Redemptive Stories. Syrian critics call the election a charade. Two-thirds of the 210-member parliament will be elected, but one-third will be appointed directly by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.Syrians in Germany celebrate Fall of Assa