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From eye doctor to brutal dictator: The rise (and fall) of Syria's Bashar al-Assad

The article traces the transformation of Bashar al-Assad from an ophthalmologist to the President of Syria, detailing his unexpected rise to power following the death of his elder brother, Bassel, in 1994. Initially seen as a reformer when he succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, in 2000, Bashar promised political and economic liberalization. However, his rule soon turned authoritarian, especially after the 2011 Arab Spring protests which evolved into a civil war. Assad's regime responded with brutal force, leading to international condemnation and sanctions. The conflict has resulted in over 500,000 deaths, millions displaced, and widespread destruction. Despite this, Assad has managed to retain power with support from allies like Russia and Iran, while facing allegations of war crimes and chemical weapon use. The article also touches on Assad's personal life, his marriage to Asma al-Akhras, and how his regime has been accused of using starvation and sieges as weapons of war.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/from-eye-doctor-to-brutal-dictator-the-rise-and-fall-of-syria-s-bashar-assad/ar-AA1vvszS ]