DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — One of two candidates challenging Bashar Assad in next month’s election has almost nothing but praise for the Syrian president, saying his handling of the country’s conflict has proven he is a “great leader.” His only, slight criticism is that officials in Assad’s government have mismanaged the economy.

Recommended Stories

Will Assad’s fall lead to the Islamic State’s rebound?

Assad laments ‘terrorist’ control of Syria in first statement since fleeing to Russia

Syrian civil war bursts back into life: Everything to know about the key players