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Syria's Assad dynasty, which ruled for over 50 years, has crumbled as rebel forces claim Damascus. Bashar al-Assad, the leader since 2000, has disappeared, leaving behind a nation battered by war and uncertain about its future.
An image of Syrian President Bashar Assad, riddled with bullets, is seen on the facade of the provincial government office.
UPDATED: Dec 9, 2024 01:06 IST
Syria is making global headlines with a historical twist — over five decades of Assad family rule has come to an abrupt end. Rebel forces have taken Damascus, and Bashar al-Assad, who has dominated Syrian politics since 2000, is nowhere to be found.
As of December 8, 2024, Assad’s whereabouts remain unknown. Opposition forces have declared the capital "liberated," marking the collapse of the Assad dynasty.
So, who is Bashar al-Assad, and how has he shaped Syria’s recent history?
Bashar's story begins with his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist from 1970 until his death in 2000. Hafez’s reign was marked by brutal crackdowns, most notably the Hama massacre in 1982, where thousands were killed to suppress an Islamist uprising.
Born on September 11, 1965, Bashar was not initially expected to inherit power—his older brother, Bassel, was being groomed for leadership. However, after Bassel’s tragic death in a car accident in 1994, Bashar’s life turned dramatically.
Returning from a promising ophthalmology career in London, Bashar underwent military and political training. When Hafez passed away in 2000, the Syrian Parliament lowered the presidential age requirement, paving the way for Bashar to take power.
Initially, there was hope. With his Western education and calm demeanour, many believed Bashar would usher in reforms. Yet those hopes quickly faded. Early attempts at economic liberalization were followed by a harsh crackdown on dissidents in 2001, and Bashar’s promise of change evaporated.
The real test of his leadership came in 2011 during the Arab Spring. What began as peaceful protests escalated into a brutal civil war after Assad responded with excessive violence. His forces employed everything from barrel bombs to chemical weapons, drawing international condemnation.
Despite widespread opposition, Assad clung to power, backed by Russia and Iran. Russia’s military intervention in 2015 shifted the war in his favour, with relentless airstrikes helping reclaim key territories. Iranian-backed militia and Hezbollah provided critical support on the ground.
Under Assad’s rule, Syria faced devastation. Cities like Aleppo and Homs were reduced to rubble, over half a million lives were lost, and millions displaced, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century. Yet Assad portrayed his regime as essential for stability and fighting extremism, particularly groups like ISIS.
As of now, the tide has turned. A sudden, massive rebel offensive has led to the fall of key cities, including Damascus. Opposition forces, including the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have declared victory. Reports suggest Assad fled the capital, possibly via Damascus Airport, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
For Syrians, this marks the end of an era defined by authoritarianism and suffering. However, the path forward is uncertain. Rebel factions are divided, and rebuilding a war-torn nation will be an immense challenge.
Bashar al-Assad’s departure closes a brutal chapter in Syria’s history, but his legacy of violence and oppression will linger. As the country looks to the future, one thing remains clear: Syria is at a critical crossroads, and its next steps will shape its destiny, and that of global stability.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Dec 9, 2024
