Bashar al-Assad’s Life and Presidency: 10 Key Facts About Syria’s Controversial Leader

1. Bashar al-Assad’s Early Life and Education

Bashar al-Assad was born on September 11, 1965, in Damascus, Syria. As the son of Hafez al-Assad, Syria’s long-standing president, Bashar grew up in a politically influential family. He pursued medical studies at Damascus University, specializing in ophthalmology, and later trained at the Western Eye Hospital in London. His academic career set him apart from the traditional paths taken by political heirs.