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Bashar al-Assad, the controversial president of Syria, has been at the center of international attention for years. Some see him as a hero fighting against terrorists and foreign powers, while others view him as a ruthless dictator responsible for countless human rights violations. But who is Bashar al-Assad? What shaped his worldview and political philosophy? In this comprehensive biography, we’ll delve into the life and times of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary politics. From his upbringing to his rise to power and current status as one of the world’s most divisive leaders, join us on a journey through the fascinating life story of Bashar al-Assad.
Introduction to Bashar al-Assad
Bashar al-Assad is the current President of Syria, in office since July 17, 2000. He is also the Regional Secretary of the Syrian-led branch of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party. Assad was preceded as President by his father Hafez al-Assad, who in 1971 established the modern Syrian state and its highly centralized government. Born and raised in Damascus, Assad graduated from the medical school of Damascus University in 1988 and began working as an ophthalmologist at Tishrin Military Hospital. Four years later he attended postgraduate studies at the Western Eye Hospital in London, specializing in ophthalmology.
In 1994, following his father’s death, Bashar al-Assad’s older brother Bassel died in a car accident, which resulted in Bashar becoming the heir apparent to Hafez al-Assad’s presidency. Assad was elected as a member of parliament into Syria’s ruling Ba’ath Party parliament via uncontested elections held on 7 March 2000, due to Parliament being dominated by pro-Asad Sunni Muslims under a de facto one-party system that existed at that time. On 10 July 2000, Assad was sworn in as President of Syria after his father passed away; he became Syria’s 34th Head of State upon taking office.
| Real Name/Full Name | Bashar Hafez al- Assad |
| Nick Name/Celebrated Name: | Bashar al-Assad |
| Birth Place: | Damascus, Syria |
| Date Of Birth/Birthday: | 11 September 1965 |
| Age/How Old: | 57 years old |
| Height/How Tall: | In Centimetres – 190 cm In Feet and Inches – 6′ 3″ |
| Weight: | In Kilograms – 73 Kg In Pounds – 160 lbs |
| Eye Color: | Black |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Girlfriend: | N/A |
| Wife/Spouse Name: | Asma al-Assad (m. 2000) |
| Kids/Children Name: | Zein al-Assad, Karim al-Assad, Hafez al-Assad |
| Parents Name: | Father – Hafez al- Assad Mother – Anisa Makhlouf |
| Siblings: | Bushra, Majd, Bassel, Maher, and Bushra al- Assad |
| School: | Arab- French al-Huriya School |
| College: | Damascus University and Western Eye Hospital |
| Religion: | Sunni |
| Nationality: | Syrian |
| Zodiac Sign: | Pisces |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | President of Syria, commander-in-chief, regional secretary in the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, president of the Syrian Computer Society |
| Net Worth: | $2 billion |
| Last Updated: | 2023 |
Early Life and Education
Bashar al-Assad was born in Damascus, Syria on September 11, 1965. He is the second son of Hafez al-Assad and Anisa Makhlouf. Assad has one older brother, Bassel, and two younger siblings, Majd and Bushra. Assad’s father was President of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000.
Assad graduated from the medical school of Damascus University in 1988. He then began postgraduate studies at the Western Eye Hospital in London, specializing in ophthalmology. In 1994, he returned to Syria to begin his military service.
Career Highlights
Bashar al-Assad was born in Damascus, Syria on September 11, 1965. He is the second son of Hafez al-Assad and Anisa Makhlouf. Assad graduated from the Medical School of Damascus University in 1988 and began his residency in ophthalmology at Tishrin Military Hospital. He was drafted into the Syrian Army in 1992 and served as a captain in the Republican Guard.
In July 2000, Hafez al-Assad died and Bashar succeeded him as President of Syria. As president, Assad has continued his father’s policies of maintaining strict control over Syria while also working to improve relations with the West. In 2011, Syria was rocked by a series of protests and uprisings known as the Arab Spring. Assad’s government responded to these protests with violence, leading to a civil war that continues to rage today.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Bashar al-Assad remains in power and continues to be an influential figure in both Syria and the Middle East.
Family and Personal Life
Bashar al-Assad was born in Damascus, Syria on September 11, 1965. He is the second son of Hafez al-Assad and Anisa Makhlouf. Bashar’s older brother, Bassel, died in a car accident in 1994. This left Bashar as the heir apparent to his father’s presidency.
Bashar married Asma Akhras in December 2000. The couple has three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim.
Bashar al-Assad is a practicing Muslim. However, he has said that he does not allow his religious beliefs to interfere with his work as president.
Bashar enjoys reading and playing tennis in his free time.
Bashar al-Assad’s Net Worth
Bashar al-Assad was born in Damascus, Syria on September 11, 1965. He is the second child of Hafez al-Assad and Anisa Makhlouf. Assad graduated from the University of Damascus with a degree in ophthalmology in 1988. He completed his residency at the Tishrin military hospital and began working as an ophthalmologist in the Syrian Army.
In 1994, Assad’s older brother Bassel died in a car accident. As a result, Hafez al-Assad named Bashar as his successor. Bashar was subsequently sent to London to study Western medicine at the Western Eye Hospital. He also joined the British Army Reserve where he trained as a tank commander.
Bashar returned to Syria in 2000 after his father’s death. He assumed power and became president following a referendum in which he ran unopposed. As president, Assad has continued many of his father’s policies including maintaining close ties with Iran and supporting Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Under Assad’s rule, Syria has been accused of human rights abuses by international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In 2011, protests against Assad’s government erupted into civil war. The conflict has resulted in over 400,000 deaths and has displaced millions of Syrians both inside and outside of the country.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Assad’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5
| Name | Bashar al-Assad |
| Net Worth (2023) | $2 Billion |
| Profession | President of Syria |
| Monthly Income And Salary | $12 Million + |
| Yearly Income And Salary | $150 Million + |
| Last Updated | 2023 |
Syria Under Assad’s Presidency
Bashar al-Assad was born in 1965 in Damascus, Syria and is the current President of Syria. He is from the Alawite minority religious group in Syria which represents 12% of the population. Assad graduated from medical school in 1988 and worked as a doctor until 1992 when he joined the Syrian military. In 1994, Assad’s father Hafez al-Assad, who was President of Syria at the time, died and Bashar became his successor.
Since becoming President, Assad has been involved in several wars including the Syrian Civil War (2011-present), the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), and the Iraq War (2003-2011). He has also been accused of human rights violations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In May 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal which included lifting sanctions on Syria in exchange for dismantling its nuclear program.
Achievements and Awards
Bashar al-Assad has been the President of Syria since 2000, and in that time he has overseen some major achievements and awards for the country.
In 2003, Syria was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. This was a major coup for Assad, who had only been in power for three years at that point.
In 2007, Assad was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, in recognition of his work in bringing peace to the region.
Syria has also been praised by the international community for its efforts to combat terrorism, and in 2016 Assad was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship.
Criticisms of Assad’s Rule
Since the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Bashar al-Assad has been widely criticized by international leaders and human rights organizations for his role in the conflict. Assad has been accused of ordering attacks on civilians, using chemical weapons, and torturing prisoners. In 2012, United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay said that Assad’s government had committed “crimes against humanity” and called for him to be brought before the International Criminal Court. In 2015, a report by a UN commission of inquiry found that Assad’s forces had committed war crimes, including torture and executions.
In addition to his actions during the civil war, Assad has also been criticized for his human rights record prior to the conflict. Human Rights Watch has accused Assad’s government of carrying out arbitrary arrests, censorship, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Amnesty International has also documented cases of torture and other ill-treatment by Syrian security forces under Assad’s rule.
Conclusion
Overall, Bashar al-Assad is a complex figure who has had an extraordinary life and career. His story is one of resilience and ambition, as well as personal tragedy. He has been able to stay on top despite various challenges that have come his way, but it remains to be seen what the future will hold for him and Syria. It is clear that he is still a powerful leader in the region, but only time will tell whether or not he can bring lasting peace and stability to his people.
