Bashar al-Assad’s Life and Presidency: 10 Key Facts About Syria’s Controversial Leader
2. The Assad Family: A Political Dynasty
The Assad family has been central to Syria’s modern political history. Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, ruled Syria from 1971 to 2000, consolidating power and establishing the Ba’ath Party as the dominant political force.
Brothers in Power and Tragedy
- Bassel al-Assad: Bashar’s elder brother was groomed as Hafez’s successor. However, his tragic death in a 1994 car accident thrust Bashar into politics.
- Maher al-Assad: Bashar’s younger brother commands the Syrian Special Forces and Presidential Guard, playing a pivotal role in military strategies during the civil war.
