Bashar Assad never intended to go into politics, with a background in ophthalmology, but became a brutal dictator whose rule ended when rebels stormed Damascus, causing him to flee. Critics accused Assad of gassing his own people and seeking help to fend off opposition from the US and allies. Despite his rise to power following his father’s footsteps in 2000, Assad was initially criticized for his lack of political experience. By 2011, Assad responded to the Arab Spring with a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy forces, leading to international condemnation. As his grip on power was challenged, Assad made compromises with Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia to protect his regime. Assad’s reliance on external support ultimately led to his downfall, as Iran and Russia’s involvement in the conflict escalated. The war in Syria attracted foreign players and militias, turning into one of the largest humanitarian crises in modern history. The rebels, led by groups like HTS, eventually took control of major cities, causing Assad to flee to Russia. His rule, marked by violence and oppression, came to an end as the rebels seized control of Damascus.
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