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Bashar al-Assad, an Ophthalmologist Who Became a Dictator, Is the Last of a Despotic Dynasty


Published on 2024-12-08 12:20:41 - MSN
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  • Once a self-styled modernizer, Syria's president bought time with a harsh crackdown, but his government eventually succumbed to its many enemies.

Bashar al-Assad, originally trained as an ophthalmologist in London, unexpectedly became the President of Syria following the death of his elder brother, Bassel, who was groomed to succeed their father, Hafez al-Assad. Bashar assumed power in 2000 after his father's death, initially promising reforms and a more open society, which led to a brief period known as the "Damascus Spring." However, these hopes were quickly dashed as Assad tightened his grip on power, employing brutal tactics to suppress dissent, especially during the Syrian Civil War which began in 2011. His regime has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians. Despite international condemnation and sanctions, Assad has managed to retain control over significant parts of Syria with support from allies like Russia and Iran. His rule has been marked by a shift from a potential reformer to a dictator, continuing the Assad family's authoritarian legacy.

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