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Syria's Bashar Assad: Accidental leader and tyrant

The article from MSN discusses Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, detailing his unexpected rise to power following the death of his elder brother, Bassel, who was initially groomed to succeed their father, Hafez al-Assad. Bashar, originally an ophthalmologist with no political ambitions, was thrust into the political arena after Bassel's death in 1994. He assumed the presidency in 2000 after his father's death, initially promising reforms and a more open society, which led to a brief period known as the "Damascus Spring." However, this openness was short-lived as Assad soon cracked down on dissent, leading to widespread human rights abuses, particularly during the Syrian Civil War which began in 2011. The article portrays Assad as a leader who has maintained power through brutal force, with allegations of using chemical weapons, torture, and mass detentions, while also navigating complex international relations, receiving support from Russia and Iran, and facing opposition from Western countries. Despite the devastation in Syria, Assad has managed to retain control over significant parts of the country, becoming a symbol of both resilience and tyranny.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-xl/politics/government/syria-s-bashar-assad-accidental-leader-and-tyrant/ar-AA1vu69b ]