In a recent episode of the podcast ‘De Dag,’ arabist Leo Kwarten discusses the rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, marking the end of the Assad dynasty that ruled for fifty years. The podcast explores the legacy of both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, including Hafez’s era of stability and his ruthless tactics, particularly during the Hama massacre in 1982. The discussion highlights the brutal continuation of governance under Bashar, who took control in 2000 despite his initial reluctance.