Hafez al-Assad: The Long Shadow of a Syrian Leader
Imagine a man who shaped the destiny of an entire nation, Hafez al-Assad. He was not just a president; he was a symbol, a leader whose every move resonated across Syria and beyond. Born into a humble Alawite family in 1930, Assad’s journey to power was marked by strategic alliances, political maneuvering, and a relentless pursuit of stability.
The Early Years: From Village to Power
As a child, Hafez al-Assad left his Alawite village at the tender age of nine. This move set the stage for his future as he began his education in Latakia, a city dominated by Sunnis. The anti-Alawite bias he faced there was just one of many challenges that would shape his worldview and leadership style.
Joining the Arab Ba’ath Party in 1946, Assad quickly became an asset to the party. His education at the academy introduced him to future allies like Mustafa Tlass, who would later become his minister of Defense. Assad’s early experiences laid the groundwork for a career that would see him rise through the ranks and eventually seize power.
The Military Career: From Lieutenant to President
Entering the Syrian Armed Forces in 1950, Assad graduated from flying school in 1955 as a lieutenant. His military career took off when he was sent to Egypt for further training during the Suez Crisis. In March 1963, he played a key role in capturing Dumayr airbase during the Ba’athist military coup.
After the 1966 Syrian coup d’état, Assad was appointed Minister of Defense. His government was radical socialist, but he had little power initially. Jadid remained the undisputed leader and gave Assad de facto control of the military. Assad’s strategic planning and patient approach allowed him to consolidate his position over time.
The Power Struggle: From Shadow to Light
Assad’s rise to power was not without its challenges. The 1967 Six-Day War marked a turning point, as Assad began to develop a network in the military and promoted friends and close relatives to high positions. His relationship with Jadid became increasingly strained, leading to a power struggle that would define his presidency.
By the late 1960s, Assad had extended his grip on the army and government. He replaced key officials who were critical of him and took control of Syria’s security apparatus. The ousting of Jadid in October 1970 marked a decisive moment in Assad’s rule.
Domestic Reforms: From Leninism to Modernization
Assad’s domestic reforms aimed at modernizing Syria’s agricultural and industrial sectors achieved some success, including the completion of the Tabqa Dam. However, his political reforms largely failed due to foreign policy failures, corruption, and chronic socioeconomic difficulties.
The Syrian economy grew during the early 1990s, but faced challenges in the mid-1990s with a recession and a drop in oil prices. Assad’s government implemented emergency measures, including loans and compensation to farmers, to combat these issues.
Foreign Policy: From Lebanon to the Gulf War
Assad’s foreign policy was marked by interventions in Lebanon during its civil war. He sent troops into Lebanon without international approval, aiming to weaken the Lebanese National Movement (LNM) and support Christian militias. Assad’s involvement in Lebanon extended beyond military action; he used terrorism and intimidation to extend his control over the region.
During the Gulf War, Assad sided with Kuwait and sent troops to defend Saudi Arabia. He later joined the US-led coalition, marking a shift in Syria’s international alliances.
The Succession Plan: From Rifaat to Bashar
Assad’s first choice of successor was his brother Rifaat al-Assad, but this failed. Instead, he chose Bashar al-Assad as his successor after Bassel al-Assad’s death in 1994. Assad replaced his advisors with Alawite security officers to secure his succession plans.
Bashar rose through the ranks quickly due to his ‘overall excellence’ and was appointed Chief of Staff in 1998. He made inroads into the Ba’ath Party, replacing several Assad proteges from office between 1998 and 2000. By the late 1990s, Assad’s health had deteriorated, leading to a period of increasing seclusion.
The Final Years: From Presidency to Legacy
On 10 June 2000, at the age of 69, Hafez al-Assad died of a heart attack while on the telephone with Lebanese prime minister Salim al-Huss. A period of mourning was declared in Syria and Lebanon, and Assad is buried alongside his son Bassel in Qardaha.
After Hafez’s death, power was transferred to his son Bashar with the support of Ba’ath loyalists, making Syria the first Arab republic to establish a dynastic system. However, this legacy would be tested during the Syrian civil war, as rebels set fire to Assad’s sarcophagus and tomb inside the mausoleum following the overthrow of Bashar in 2024.
Hafez al-Assad’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a leader who shaped the destiny of Syria, but his rule also brought significant challenges and controversies. As we reflect on his life and impact, it’s clear that Hafez al-Assad left an indelible mark on the history of modern Syria.
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This page is based on the article Hafez al-Assad published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 16, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
