The Rise and Fall of Bashar Assad: From Ophthalmologist to Syrian President
A Surprising Succession
The story of Bashar Assad’s rise to power in Syria is one filled with unexpected twists and turns. Initially, it was his older brother Basil who was being groomed by their father, Hafez Assad, to become the successor. However, tragedy struck in 1994 when Basil was killed in a car crash. Bashar, who was then working as an ophthalmologist in London, was brought back to Syria and underwent military training to prepare him for future leadership.
The Legacy of Hafez Assad
Hafez Assad, Bashar’s father, ruled Syria for almost three decades with an iron fist. He established a centralized economy and formed alliances with Iran and various militant groups in Lebanon and Palestine. Under his rule, Syria became a regional power.
A New Kind of Leader
When Bashar Assad assumed the presidency in 2000, he was seen as a departure from his father’s authoritarian style. He was described as tall, lanky, and soft-spoken, with a gentle demeanor. Prior to becoming president, Bashar had a background in computer science and was the head of the Syrian Computer Society. This led many to believe that he was a tech-savvy, mild-mannered leader.
A Modern First Lady
In 2000, Bashar married Asma al-Akhras, a British-born woman of Syrian descent. Asma, who had degrees in computer science and French literature, worked as a hedge funds analyst. She brought a fresh, modern image to the role of the first lady and was often compared to Princess Diana.
Challenges and Controversies
As Bashar Assad’s rule continued, challenges and controversies began to arise. In 2005, Syria lost its control over Lebanon after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, leading to accusations against Bashar. The Arab world also became divided between U.S.-allied countries and those aligned with Syria and Iran.
The Downfall
In 2011, the Arab Spring protests spread to Syria, and Bashar Assad’s regime responded with a brutal crackdown. What started as a popular revolt quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war, with millions of Syrians fleeing the country. The international community accused Assad of using chemical weapons against his own people.
A Fall from Grace
Asma Assad, once hailed as a humanitarian, faced criticism after it was revealed that she had spent exorbitant amounts of money on luxury goods while the country was in turmoil. She was also diagnosed with leukemia, further tarnishing the image of the Assad regime.
The End of an Era
In the midst of the ongoing civil war, Bashar Assad’s recent flight to Russia marks a significant turning point in Syrian history. After nearly 14 years of struggling to maintain power, Assad’s departure from Syria signals the end of his reign and opens up new possibilities for the country’s future.
