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Bashar al-Assad

Syrian politician and president since 2000

Bashar al-Assad, the 19th president of Syria, succeeded his father in 2000. His regime has been marked by human rights violations and repression, leading to international condemnation. The Syrian civil war, which began during his rule, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced Syrians. Assad has been accused of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons.

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Timeline

Bashar al-Assad Becomes President of Syria

After the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad succeeded him as the president of Syria in 2000. Despite initial hopes for reform and modernization, Bashar continued his father's authoritarian rule, leading to demands for change and the outbreak of a deadly civil war.

Hafez al-Assad seizes power in Syria

Hafez al-Assad took control of Syria from rival factions of the ruling Baath Party on November 13, 1970. This event marked a significant shift in Syrian politics and laid the foundation for the Assad family's long-lasting rule in the country.

Bashar al-Assad Graduates from University of Damascus

Bashar al-Assad completed his medical studies at the University of Damascus in 1988.

Studying Medicine in Britain

In 1992, Bashar al-Assad went to Britain to continue his medical specialization.

Basil al-Assad's Death

Basil al-Assad, Bashar's older brother who was initially groomed for the presidency, died in a car crash in 1994 at the age of 33, leading Bashar to return to Damascus from London.

Bashar Takes Charge of Syria's Lebanon File

In 1998, Bashar al-Assad took charge of Syria's Lebanon file, pushing aside potential contenders for president and establishing his power base in Lebanon.

Bashar al-Assad Promoted to Colonel

In January 1999, Bashar al-Assad was promoted to the rank of colonel after quickly rising through the military ranks.

Constitutional Amendment in Syria

Following his father's death, the Syrian parliament amended the constitution to lower the minimum age requirement for the president, allowing Bashar al-Assad to be nominated by the ruling Ba'ath Party.

Bashar al-Assad elected as President of Syria

Bashar al-Assad, the son of Hafez al-Assad, was elected as the President of Syria on July 10, 2000, succeeding his father in the role.

Bashar al-Assad Takes Office

Bashar al-Assad assumed office on July 11, 2000, becoming the President of Syria. He also took on the roles of leader of the Ba'ath Party and commander in chief of the military.

Bashar al-Assad becomes President of Syria

On July 17, 2000, Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father Hafiz al-Assad as the President of Syria. His presidency marked a continuation of the Assad family's rule in Syria.

Assad decrees Press Law tightening government control over literature in Syria

On September 22, 2001, Bashar al-Assad issued a Press Law in Syria that increased government control over all printed literature, including newspapers, books, and online content. Violators of this law, such as publishers and journalists, faced imprisonment or fines. Censorship extended to the internet, with websites like Arabic Wikipedia and YouTube being intermittently blocked.

Bashar al-Assad Refuses to Support US-led Invasion of Iraq

In March 2003, Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, refused to support the US-led invasion of Iraq, denouncing it as 'barbaric aggression'. This decision marked a significant stance against US foreign policy.

Assassination of Rafic Hariri

Rafic Hariri, the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, was assassinated in a truck-bomb explosion in Beirut on February 14, 2005, leading to tensions between Syria and Lebanon.

Bashar al-Assad orders departure of Syrian soldiers from Lebanon

In response to mounting international pressure and protests in Lebanon, Bashar al-Assad declared on 5 March 2005 that he would order the departure of Syrian soldiers from Lebanon, ending a 29-year old military occupation.

UN Panel Interviews al-Assad

A UN panel interviews Syrian President al-Assad as Syria faces pressure over the killing of al-Hariri.

UN Security Council Resolution on Syria-Lebanon Relations

UN Security Council issues a resolution strongly encouraging Syria to normalize relations with Lebanon.

Syria and Iraq Resume Diplomatic Relations

Syria and Iraq resume diplomatic relations after a 25-year hiatus.

Reaffirmation of Bashar al-Assad as President

Assad was re-elected for a second 7-year term as President of Syria through a referendum, receiving 97.6% of the vote.

Decree obligating internet cafés to notify police of customer records in Syria

In 2008, Bashar al-Assad issued a decree in Syria that required internet cafés to maintain records of their customers and regularly inform the police. This further tightened the government's control over online activities and user privacy.

Syria ranked as third dangerous country for online bloggers by CPJ

In 2009, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) ranked Syria as the third most dangerous country for online bloggers. The government's crackdown on internet freedom and censorship led to the arrest of numerous individuals under vague 'national security' charges.

Bashar al-Assad and King Abdullah visit Lebanon

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Saudi King Abdullah visit Lebanon to ease tensions following reports of Hezbollah members being implicated in Rafic Hariri's assassination.

Start of Protests in Syria

Protests demanding political reforms and civil rights began in Syria in January 2011, inspired by successful regime changes in other countries. The protests escalated into a larger movement calling for change and an end to the state of emergency.

Interview with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

An interview with Bashar Hafez al-Assad conducted by Charlie Rose on September 9, 2013.

Barack Obama urges Bashar al-Assad to step aside

On 18 August 2011, US President Barack Obama issued a statement calling for Bashar al-Assad to step down from the presidency, as international pressure mounted against the Syrian regime.

Ghouta Chemical Attacks

Assad government forces launched sarin nerve agent into civilian areas during the Siege of Eastern Ghouta, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1,100-1,500 civilians. The attack was internationally condemned and marked the deadliest use of chemical weapons since the Iran-Iraq war.

Interview With Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

An interview with Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, conducted by The Wall Street Journal on January 31, 2011.

Meeting between Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin

In October 2015, Bashar al-Assad flew to Moscow and met with Russian president Vladimir Putin, where Putin expressed support for Syria both militarily and politically.

Russian General Igor Sergun's Message to President Assad

The Financial Times reported that Russian general Igor Sergun, director of GRU, was sent to Damascus with a message from Vladimir Putin asking President Assad to step aside shortly before Sergun's sudden death on 3 January 2016.

Syria Signs Paris Climate Agreement

On 7 November 2017, the Syrian government announced that it had signed the Paris Climate Agreement.

Formation of First Hussein Arnous Government

On 30 August 2020, the First Hussein Arnous government was formed in Syria, which included a new Council of Ministers.

Bashar al-Assad and Asma al-Assad's COVID-19 Diagnosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bashar al-Assad and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2021 but later recovered.

Syrian President Bashar Assad's Activities

Recent activities of Syrian President Bashar Assad were discussed.

Assad Secures Fourth Term in Presidential Elections

In the 2021 presidential elections held on 26 May, Assad secured his fourth 7-year tenure by winning 95.2% of the eligible votes.

Formation of Second Hussein Arnous Government

On 10 August 2021, the Second Hussein Arnous government was formed in Syria.

Syria Recognizes Donetsk and Luhansk Separatist Republics

Syria became the first country after Russia to officially recognize the 'independence and sovereignty' of the Donetsk and Luhansk separatist republics in June 2022.

OPCW-IIT Report on 2018 Douma Chemical Attack

The OPCW-IIT report concluded that the Assad regime was responsible for the 2018 Douma chemical attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 43 civilians.

France issues arrest warrant for Assad over chemical weapons war crimes

France has issued an arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad, accusing him of war crimes related to the use of chemical weapons. The warrant was issued in November 2023.

Potential Succession Plan of Hafez Bashar al-Assad

In 2028, Bashar al-Assad may face presidential term limits established in 2012, prompting the Assad family to groom his eldest son, Hafez Bashar al-Assad, to potentially succeed him as the next president of Syria.

End of the Timeline
Bashar al-Assad

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