Bashar al-Assad, expected by many to modernize Syria upon his 2000 ascension to the presidency, has instead ruled with oppressive force, silencing dissent and leading the nation into a devastating civil war. Born in Damascus in 1965 to a military family, his leadership marked the end of initial hopes for reform. As violence erupted during the Arab Spring in 2011, Assad’s regime faced international condemnation yet remained resilient, aided by Russian support. Currently, Assad’s fate hangs in the balance as rebel forces gain ground, raising questions about his continued power.