Bashar al-Assad maintains power in Syria amid ongoing civil war and international scrutiny
Bashar al-Assad has ruled Syria since 2000, following his father's authoritarian regime. His leadership has been marked by a brutal crackdown on dissent, especially during the civil war that began in 2011 after protests for democracy. The conflict has devastated Syria, leading to widespread human rights violations and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. Despite international calls for his resignation, Assad has maintained power with support from Russia and Iran. Assad's regime has faced accusations of using chemical weapons and committing war crimes. The ongoing civil war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, solidifying Assad's legacy of violence and oppression.