The elections were criticised as they went ahead without the participation of Syrians abroad or those living outside of government-held areas.
![Israeli planes struck Damascus Airport on June 10 [Getty]](/sites/default/files/styles/image_156x88/public/2022-06/GettyImages-1228825820_0.jpg?h=32fd4e37&itok=XNJcybg7)
![Luna al-Shibl was a key advisor to Assad but there were reports she had lost his regime's trust [Getty]](/sites/default/files/styles/image_156x88/public/2024-07/GRvGdv3XoAIgsAF.jpeg?h=c71d0c67&itok=9KT8lxf5)
![Lebanon Syria refugees winter [Getty]](/sites/default/files/styles/image_156x88/public/media/images/3F43E9E0-09BB-48CA-9B9D-B484A50653BD.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=oArNYvo6 "Lebanon Syria refugees winter [Getty]")
