The West placed considerable hope on this young ophthalmologist with a British education when he took over the Syrian presidency in 2000.
Many believed he would be a breath of fresh air after three decades of suffocating, autocratic rule by his late father, Hafez, infamous for ordering the massacre of over 10,000 people in Hama in 1982.Like other young Arab leaders who came to power that same year – King abdullah II of Jordan and King Mohammed VI of Morocco – Bashar was seen as a modernizer, aiming to usher Syria into the digital age.
He did endure for 24 years,but only because Russia,Iran,and Hezbollah forestalled the near collapse of his regime in 2015 under the pressure of rebel forces.
Western disappointment began long before then, in 2001, when the Syrian President refused to condemn all terrorist groups when asked by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“You call them terrorists, we call them freedom fighters,” Bashar al-Assad referred to the armed Palestinian groups his country sheltered.
He soon proved himself no reformer. When his people demanded change, he met their pleas with bullets, barrel bombs, sarin gas, and industrial-scale torture.
What are the key factors that contributed to Bashar al-Assad‘s survival in power despite widespread opposition?
interview with Dr. Sara Elhami, Middle Eastern Politics Expert
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Elhami. To start, can you give us some context on Bashar al-Assad’s rise to power and how he was perceived initially?
A: thank you for having me. Bashar al-Assad took over the Syrian presidency in 2000,following the long reign of his father,Hafez al-Assad. There was considerable hope from the West, given Bashar’s British education and the global trend of younger leaders aspiring to modernize thier countries. leaders like King Abdullah II of Jordan and King Mohammed VI of Morocco were also seen as harbingers of reform during that period.Many believed that Bashar woudl be a breath of fresh air and usher Syria into a new, progressive era.
Q: What were some of the early expectations regarding his leadership?
A: The expectations were high. The international community, particularly the West, anticipated that he would promote modernization, reform, and a liberalization of the political landscape in Syria. However, that optimism was quickly met with disappointment.
Q: Can you elaborate on when and how Western disappointment began?
A: Western disappointment in Bashar al-Assad began as early as 2001. A pivotal moment came when he was asked by British prime Minister Tony Blair to condemn terrorist groups. His response, equating them to “freedom fighters,” signaled that his leadership would not align with Western ideals of democracy and reform. He showed a distinct lack of willingness to engage diplomatically with the international community on crucial issues.
Q: How did Assad’s governance transform, particularly during the Arab Spring?
A: In 2011, when the Arab Spring ignited protests across the region, people in Syria sought change and reform. Tragically,rather than addressing these demands,Assad resorted to violent repression. He utilized bullets, barrel bombs, and even chemical weapons such as sarin gas against his own populace. This response showcased his commitment to autocracy and highlighted the tragic consequences of unmet revolutionary aspirations.
Q: Many discuss the role of external forces in Assad’s longevity in power. Could you elaborate on that?
A: Absolutely. Though Assad’s regime was on the brink of collapse around 2015 due to mounting pressure from rebel forces, external actors like russia, Iran, and Hezbollah stepped in to provide crucial military and political support. Their intervention not only forestalled his regime’s imminent collapse but also solidified Assad’s position, complicating the conflict further.
Q: Looking ahead, what are the implications of Assad’s regime for the region and the world?
A: The implications are vast and complex. Assad’s continued rule amidst a backdrop of brutality has set a risky precedent for authoritarian governance in the region. Countries facing internal dissent might adopt similar repressive tactics, invoking a cycle of violence and repression. Additionally,the alliances formed with external powers could lead to a more contested geopolitical landscape in the Middle East,impacting not just regional stability but global security as well.
Q: For our readers who want to understand Middle Eastern politics better, what practical advice can you offer?
A: I suggest keeping a close eye on regional alliances and conflicts, as thay are deeply intertwined.Understanding the historical context of leadership and governance in this area is crucial. Readers should also engage with diverse sources of information, as narratives can vary greatly depending on the perspectives shared. elevating voices from within the region can provide invaluable insights into the dynamic nature of Middle Eastern affairs.
Q: Thank you, Dr. Elhami,for yoru valuable insights into the complexities of Bashar al-Assad’s presidency and its broader implications.
A: Thank you for having me. It’s an vital conversation, and I hope it sheds light on the realities of governance and conflict in the Middle East.