In a historic turn of events, the Syrian capital, Damascus, has fallen under the control of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marking the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s 30-year rule. This development also brings to a close the Assad family’s five-decade-long reign over Syria. Reports confirm that Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, and the streets are now filled with jubilant citizens celebrating this momentous change.
Bashar’s journey to power was never part of his personal aspirations. Once a practicing eye doctor in London, he was forced to take the Syrian throne in 1994 following the tragic death of his elder brother, Bassel al-Assad, in a car accident.
A Life Transformed by Tragedy
Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, ruled Syria with an iron fist from 1970 until his death in 2000. The elder Assad had groomed his eldest son, Bassel, to succeed him. However, Bassel’s untimely death left the family with no choice but to turn to Bashar, who was called back from London to assume the mantle of leadership.
Initially, Bashar adopted a more progressive and reformist approach to governance. However, over time, mounting challenges and fears of losing power transformed him into a ruthless dictator.
From Doctor to Tyrant
Bashar’s transformation became evident during the Syrian civil war that erupted in 2011. The conflict claimed the lives of millions and displaced countless others. His regime responded to dissent with brutal measures, including mass executions of protesters, as he sought to suppress any challenge to his rule.
Similar to his father’s authoritarian methods, Bashar crushed opposition and held onto power with an unrelenting grip.
A Peaceful Life in London
Before being thrust into politics, Bashar had chosen a completely different path. After graduating from Damascus University, he moved to London in 1992 to specialize in ophthalmology at the Western Eye Hospital.
During his time in London, Bashar met Asma Fawaz al-Akhras, a computer science student at King’s College. Their relationship blossomed into marriage, and they built a peaceful life together. Asma later pursued an MBA at Harvard University.
Forced Into Dictatorship
Bashar’s ascension to power was shaped by family tragedy and political necessity. The sudden death of his brother Bassel and the expectations of his father’s legacy left him with little choice but to take on the mantle of leadership.
However, the pressures of retaining power in a volatile political climate ultimately drove him to adopt oppressive policies, cementing his reputation as a tyrant.
With Bashar al-Assad now out of power, Syria stands on the cusp of a new chapter, bidding farewell to the Assad family’s decades-long domination.