Bashar al-Assad's 25-Year Regime in Syria

Bashar al-Assad has been the president of Syria for nearly 25 years, having succeeded his father Hafez al-Assad, who ruled from 1970 until his death in 2000. Initially seen as a potential reformist leader, Bashar's presidency has instead been marked by authoritarianism and brutality. After his unexpected ascent—triggered by his elder brother's death—Assad's regime quickly manifested autocratic tendencies, notably lowering the presidential age requirement to 34 to allow his rise. The onset of the Arab Spring in 2011 saw widespread protests for democracy in Syria, which were met with violent repression. Reports emerged of the government using choking gas against protesters, a claim Assad's administration has consistently denied. Today, Assad remains in power, relying on support primarily from Russia and Iran, complicating the geopolitical dynamics in a region already marked by instability. As the international community watches, the future of Assad’s rule and the potential for reform or further repression remain uncertain.