February 26, 2012 - March 3, 2012 (87 images)

A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian president Bashar al-Assad (R) shaking hands with his supporters upon his arrival to vote for the referendum on a new constitution, at a polling station, in Damascus, Syria, February, 26 2012. Syrians began voting on February 26 on a new constitution that the government says will introduce political pluralism. More than 14,000 polling stations opened nationwide for about 15 million eligible voters. The opposition announced a boycott of the referendum. UPI.

A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian president Bashar al-Assad accompanied by his wife Asma (L), posing for a photograph while casting his vote, during the referendum on a new constitution, at a polling station, in Damascus, Syria,on February 26, 2012. Syrians began voting on February 26 on a new constitution that the government says will introduce political pluralism. More than 14,000 polling stations opened nationwide for about 15 million eligible voters. The opposition announced a boycott of the referendum. UPI

An Iranian clergyman walks next to the Adidas store in Tehran, Iran on February 26, 2012. Campaigning for Iran's parliamentary election officially started on February 23, 2012 and closes on March 1, 2012. The election is scheduled to be held on March 2, 2012. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

Rocker Lenny Kravitz performs a pre race concert prior to the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 26, 2012. UPI/Malcolm Hope