Syrian president sworn in for 4th term in war-torn country

Syrian President Bashar Assad has been sworn in for a fourth seven-year term in the war-torn country

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Syrian President Bashar Assad was sworn in Saturday for a fourth seven-year term in the war-torn country. The May elections were described by the West and Assad's opposition as illegitimate and a sham. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the presidential palace and attended by clergymen, members of parliament, political figures and army officers. In power since 2000, Assad’s re-election in a landslide was never in doubt. His new term starts with the country still devastated by 10 years of war and sliding deeper into a worsening economic crisis.