Bashar al-Assad's journey from reformist leader to repressive dictator in Syria

Bashar al-Assad, who rose to power in 2000, initially sought to present a more reformist image than his father, Hafez al-Assad. However, he quickly established a regime marked by repression, torture, and violence, mirroring his father's brutal rule. Over the years, Assad faced increasing opposition, culminating in the 2011 uprising during the Arab Spring. His regime responded with severe crackdowns, leading to a devastating civil war that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Despite international pressure and the rise of extremist groups, Assad managed to maintain power with support from Russia and Iran. However, his regime ultimately weakened, and he was ousted as the Syrian conflict evolved, marking the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule.