Bashar al-Assad was not destined to become president; however, a twist of fate led the former eye doctor and his London-raised wife back to Syria to uphold a family dynasty. The recent developments signify the end of over half a century of Assad family rule, as rebel forces have turned the tide in a civil war that Bashar embraced.
Assad ruled Syria for 24 years, just five years shy of his father’s reign, but his ascension to the presidency was not a foregone conclusion. Before stepping into the political arena, he was practicing ophthalmology in the UK. A family tragedy—his older brother Bassel’s death in a car accident—prompted his return to Syria, where he underwent military training and rose to the rank of colonel to establish his credentials.
When his father, Hafez al-Assad, passed away in 2000, the parliament swiftly amended the presidential age limit, allowing Bashar to ascend to the top position. His election was confirmed in a nationwide referendum in which he was the sole candidate.
Initially, Assad presented himself as a reformer, making promises to combat corruption and allow greater media freedoms. However, following the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, after his government’s violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests, the country devolved into chaos. His regime’s response to dissent allowed groups like ISIS to flourish in the region, and the conflict soon became a battleground for global powers.
Over the years, Assad has maintained tenuous control of much of Syria, bolstered by support from Russia and Iran. However, the recent outbreak of fighting from opposition forces in Aleppo has exposed the vulnerabilities of his regime.
Reports indicate that rebel forces advanced into the capital, capturing strategic locations and compelling Assad to abandon the city. As the situation deteriorated, Russian officials stated he had left Syria and entrusted the transfer of power to others.
The Syrian military and police have struggled to contain the advances, prompting fears about the future governance of Syria and potential power vacuums in the wake of Assad’s fall. As civilians took to the streets, rejoicing his downfall, the path forward for the country remains uncertain.
With the country’s sustainability now in question and following years of bloodshed, the next chapter in Syria’s history will unfold amidst the complexities of its fractured society and geopolitical interests.
Credit: CNN
