The History of the Assad Family and Bashar al-Assad’s Role in Syrian Transformations

The Assad family has been one of the most influential families in modern Syrian history. Since the 1970s, this family has played a central role in shaping the country’s politics and fate. The roots of the family’s power can be traced back to Hafez al-Assad, who went from being a simple military officer to one of the most powerful leaders in the Middle East. Below is an overview of the Assad family’s history and Bashar al-Assad’s role in Syria’s political and social transformations.Hafez al-Assad: The Founder of the Assad Family’s PowerHafez al-Assad was born in 1930 in the village of Qardaha, located in the Alawite region of Syria. Born into a farming family, he was able to rise through education and military service to reach the highest levels of power. In 1963, Hafez joined the Syrian Ba’ath Party and played a key role in the military coup of that year, which brought the Ba’ath Party to power. In 1970, Hafez al-Assad took power through the “Corrective Movement” coup and was appointed as Syria’s president. He ruled the country until his death in 2000. Hafez created a one-party, security-oriented system and consolidated his rule through the military, intelligence services, and tribal loyalty.Bashar al-Assad’s Ascension to PowerAfter Hafez al-Assad’s death in June 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad ascended to power. Bashar, who had studied ophthalmology in the United Kingdom, had no significant role in politics before his father’s death. However, with constitutional changes, he was elected president at the age of 34. Initially, there was great hope for reforms in Syria. Many saw him as a modern and reformist leader who could steer the country towards democracy and progress. The early years of Bashar’s presidency saw economic reforms and a relative opening of the media, but these reforms were very limited, and his regime gradually continued the repressive methods of his father’s era.The Syrian Civil War and Bashar al-Assad’s RoleIn 2011, the wave of popular protests that became known as the “Arab Spring” reached Syria. The protests, which began in the city of Daraa, called for political reforms and an end to repression. Bashar al-Assad’s government responded to these protests with widespread violence and military repression. This repression turned peaceful protests into a civil war. The Syrian war has become one of the most complex and bloodiest wars of the 21st century, involving numerous regional and international actors. Bashar al-Assad has managed to withstand opposition and insurgent groups with the support of Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah.The Assad Family’s Role in Syria’s Economy and PoliticsOne of the defining features of the Assad regime has been the concentration of power and wealth within the family circle. The Assad family and their close associates control many of the country’s economic resources. Rami Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad’s cousin, is one of Syria’s largest businessmen and a symbol of economic corruption in the country. Additionally, Syria’s intelligence and military services, under the direct control of the Assad family, play a crucial role in maintaining the regime. These institutions are key tools for repressing opposition and maintaining regime security.The Consequences of the Assad Family’s Rule on SyriaThe Assad family’s rule has had profound effects on Syrian society. On one hand, the family has managed to maintain its power for decades using tools of repression and creating loyalty among minorities. On the other hand, their policies have led to severe economic, social, and humanitarian crises. The Syrian civil war has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions. Many of the country’s infrastructures have been destroyed, and Syria’s economy is on the brink of collapse. Despite this, Bashar al-Assad has managed to retain power and rule over key parts of the country.The Future of the Assad Family and Syria