The scene in Beirut on May 28 was surreal. Throngs of Syrian refugees headed to the Syrian Embassy to cast their ballots in a scene beyond all description. The surprise was not only the manifestation of support for President Bashar al-Assad through banners and numbers that exceeded all expectations, but the political meaning, which possessed implications and dimensions surprising to everyone.
For the last two years, Syrian men, women and children could be seen roaming the streets of Lebanese cities and villages. Furthermore, the Lebanese and foreign media have continuously reported on the suffering of the Syrian people, with Lebanese politicians discussing the impact of the Syrian refugee wave on Lebanon’s security and economy. International institutions and global relief agencies have published report after report on the scope of the tragedy and its impact on Lebanon, where the number of Syrian refugees totals one-third of the population.