Bashar al-Assad

Bashar al-Assad, the enigmatic figure who once seemed destined for a life of medicine and ophthalmology, found himself thrust into the heart of political power in Syria. Born on September 11, 1965, Assad’s journey from a medical doctor to the ruler of a nation marked by conflict and controversy is nothing short of extraordinary.

From Medical Doctor to President

Bashar al-Assad graduated from medical school in 1988 and worked as an army doctor. His life took a dramatic turn when his older brother Bassel, groomed for the presidency by their father Hafez, tragically died in 1994. This event propelled Bashar into the Syrian Army, where he prepared to take over power.

State propaganda quickly elevated Assad’s image, making him ‘the hope of the masses.’ He received medical training and became an army doctor before studying medicine at Damascus University. His father Hafez al-Assad made him heir apparent, preparing him for a future in which he would lead Syria with a firm hand.

The Syrian Civil War

As his father prepared him for power, state propaganda continued to elevate Assad’s image. After Hafez al-Assad’s death in 2000, Bashar became the president of Syria at age 34 with a 97.29% vote. He was appointed commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Ba’ath Party.

The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 following the Arab Spring, with protests and demonstrations escalating into armed conflict. The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement, with many countries intervening militarily or providing humanitarian aid. On August 18, 2011, Barack Obama urged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside.

Assad’s Response and International Pressure

In response to international pressure, Assad promised a national dialogue and greater freedoms, but critics saw it as an attempt to maintain control. The Syrian Civil War has led to a devastating economic collapse, with widespread destruction, high unemployment (50%), and extreme poverty affecting two-thirds of the population.

Assad’s Regime and Its Impact

The Assad regime has been characterized by human rights violations and severe repression. It faced rising discontent against its rule and replaced Hafez al-Assad’s loyalists with new ones from Alawite clans. The regime was responsible for numerous war crimes during the Syrian civil war, which killed over 580,000 people.

Assad has denied evidence of the Holocaust, claiming that Jews were not solely targeted by Nazi extermination campaigns and that the event was ‘politicized’ to justify Israel’s creation. The regime’s support base includes Ba’athist loyalists, family networks of politicians and businessmen, and Alawite community members who form Assad’s core support base.

International Response

The international community has responded with various measures against the Assad regime. France issued an arrest warrant for Assad on November 15, 2023, accusing him of using chemical weapons against civilians in Syria. In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard visited Syria despite a travel warning and met with President Bashar al-Assad without consulting with the House speaker or State Department.

Conclusion

Bashar al-Assad’s rule has been marked by controversy and conflict. His journey from a medical doctor to the president of Syria is a testament to his resilience and the complex political landscape of the Middle East. As the Syrian civil war continues, the world watches with bated breath to see how this chapter in history will unfold.