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Bashar Assad

Bashar Assad was Syria's president from 2000-2024 before rebel groups removed him from power. Assad's regime conducted a violent crackdown of protests in 2011 that led to the Syrian Civil War.

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Bashar Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Jul 24, 2024.

Bashar Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Jul 24, 2024.

Syria's Assad meets Putin in Moscow

The Syrian president voiced his concerns about the "escalation" of conflicts across the Middle East.

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during parliamentary elections, in Damascus, Syria, with photos of Bashar Assad in the background, including one with the text "We love you."

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during parliamentary elections, in Damascus, Syria, with photos of Bashar Assad in the background, including one with the text "We love you."

Syrians in government-held areas vote for new parliament

The vote is expected to keep Syrian President Bashar Assad's ruling Baath party in power.

Syrian refugees are seen at the refugee camp in Idlib

Syrian refugees are seen at the refugee camp in Idlib

Syria: Refugees return to 'square one' at best

Despite increased crackdowns on Syrian refugees in countries such as Turkey and Lebanon, most don't want to go back.

Bashar Assad and Ali Khamenei sit next to a portrait of Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on May 30

Bashar Assad and Ali Khamenei sit next to a portrait of Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on May 30

Syria's Assad offers condolences in Iran after Raisi death

Syrian President Bashar Assad met with Ayatollah Khamenei soon after the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Protesters waving flags and banners

Protesters waving flags and banners

Syrian protesters rise up against Islamists in Idlib

Opponents of Assad seeking refuge in Idlib are now protesting against local Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Front left to right: Ursula von der Leyen, Nikos Christodoulides and Nabih Berri

Front left to right: Ursula von der Leyen, Nikos Christodoulides and Nabih Berri

Could the EU-Lebanon aid deal backfire on Syrian refugees?

Experts say the EU's recent aid deal for Lebanon could exacerbate existing tensions and increase irregular migration.

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Israel-Iran tensions: Is Syria the new battlefield?

Israel has been bombing Syria covertly for years, trying to weaken anti-Israel forces. Will things escalate in Syria?

Security forces and ambulances are dispatched to the area after a bomb exploded in bustling market in area controlled by opposition forces in Azaz, Syria on March 31, 2024.

Security forces and ambulances are dispatched to the area after a bomb exploded in bustling market in area controlled by opposition forces in Azaz, Syria on March 31, 2024.

Syria: Fatal car bombing strikes crowded market

The attack hit the northwestern town of Azaz, near the Turkish border and held by fighters backed by Ankara.

People walk among cars on a narrow street in Triopoli

People walk among cars on a narrow street in Triopoli

On Tripoli's Syria Street, calm masks Lebanon's deep scars

This Lebanese street was once a microcosm of the war across the border. Things are quieter now, but the calm is fragile.

A Syrian man guards his destroyed house in Al-Nayrab

A Syrian man guards his destroyed house in Al-Nayrab

Syria: Suicide drones increasingly targeting civilians

After 13 years of civil war, the situation in Syria is worsening as the government uses armed drones against farmers.

Syrien as-Suwaida | Proteste drusischen Fahnen

Syrien as-Suwaida | Proteste drusischen Fahnen

Syria: New wave of violence after protester death?

After months of peaceful anti-government protests, a protester was killed by security forces for the first time.

A young man carries pictures of his family that he extracted from the rubble of his destroyed house

A young man carries pictures of his family that he extracted from the rubble of his destroyed house

Syria earthquake: A year on, 'situation is devastating'

A year after the major earthquake, Syrians continue to suffer while President Assad has returned to the political stage.

Destroyed houses are seen in the east Aleppo neighborhood of Tariq al-Bab, Syria.

Destroyed houses are seen in the east Aleppo neighborhood of Tariq al-Bab, Syria.

Syria: Could making 'domicide' a war crime bring justice?

Calls to classify the destruction of housing as a war crime are growing. But how would that work in court?

Locals checking the rubble of buildings destroyed in Jordanian airstrikes in Sweida, Syria.

Locals checking the rubble of buildings destroyed in Jordanian airstrikes in Sweida, Syria.

Jordan: Crackdown on Syrian drugs, weapons depends on deals

Jordan's aim to curb trafficking will succeed through collaboration, observers say. Syria's government remains involved.

People at a refugee camp in Syria's Idlib province

People at a refugee camp in Syria's Idlib province

Syria: Intensified bombing worsens misery in northwest

For Syrians near the Turkish border, recent violence has made an already precarious humanitarian situation devastating.

Women hold posters and photographs during a demonstration outside the courthouse where former Syrian intelligence officer Anwar Raslan stands on trial in Koblenz, western Germany, on January 13, 2022.

Women hold posters and photographs during a demonstration outside the courthouse where former Syrian intelligence officer Anwar Raslan stands on trial in Koblenz, western Germany, on January 13, 2022.

Syria ordered by ICJ to take action against torture

The provisional measures are part of an ICJ case brought by the Netherlands and Canada accusing Syria of torture.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

France issues arrest warrant for Syria's Assad — reports

France issued an international warrant for Syria's president for chemical attacks that killed over 1,000 people in 2013.

A group of leaders against the backdrop of flags at a summit

A group of leaders against the backdrop of flags at a summit

What role does Syria play in the Hamas-Israel conflict?

Israel is bombing Syria, militias are firing back — but how important is Syria really in this conflict?

Three women mourn the dead at al-Masbah Camp in idlib after a Russian airstrike.

Three women mourn the dead at al-Masbah Camp in idlib after a Russian airstrike.

How violence in Syria is connected to the Israel-Hamas war

Could Syria's dictator and his Russian ally be using the Gaza crisis as cover to commit war crimes?

Smoke rises as a result of artillery shelling in the countryside of the city of Idlib.

Smoke rises as a result of artillery shelling in the countryside of the city of Idlib.

Syrian army shells rebel-held province after drone strike

UN condemns latest escalation of violence in Syria after government forces attack villages in dissident Idlib region.

President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, China, on a red carpet, flanked by suits

President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, China, on a red carpet, flanked by suits

China-Syria: Bashar Assad seeks Xi's help to end isolation

Isolated since Syria's civil war began in 2011, Bashar Assad has negotiated a "strategic partnership" with China.

Xi Jinping and Bashar Assad meet at a table in a Syrian state TV image

Xi Jinping and Bashar Assad meet at a table in a Syrian state TV image

China, Syria announce 'partnership' after Assad-Xi talks

China has been a stalwart defender of Assad's regime, despite Western human rights criticism.

Syrian President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province

Syrian President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province

Syria's Assad visits China for first time since civil war

China has long provided diplomatic support to Assad's regime, and could help in reconstructing war-battered Syria.

An ISIS propaganda video showing Islamic State militants during battles along the border of Iraq and Syria

An ISIS propaganda video showing Islamic State militants during battles along the border of Iraq and Syria

Syria's Deir el-Zour: Unrest quelled without shared road map

The latest clashes were fueled by the anger of Arab tribes under Kurdish control amid the influence of opposing backers.

Anti-Assad protests in Syria enter fourth week

Anti-Assad protests in Syria enter fourth week

Anti-Assad protests in Syria enter fourth week

The rallies were sparked by economic measures enacted by President Bashar Assad.

Indian Minister of State V. Muraleedharan meets Syrian President Bashar Assad

Indian Minister of State V. Muraleedharan meets Syrian President Bashar Assad

India builds Syria ties to boost Middle East presence

As Middle Eastern countries accept Assad's control over Syria, India is beginning to renew its ties with Damascus.

People stage a protest as they wave the Druze flags in the southern city of Sweida, Syria.

People stage a protest as they wave the Druze flags in the southern city of Sweida, Syria.

Syria protests: New revolution or economic issue?

Anti-government protests have gained momentum. Some say a new revolution is starting, while others point to the economy.

Syrian President Assad pictured leaving tarmac for Arab League Summit in Jeddah in May 2023

Syrian President Assad pictured leaving tarmac for Arab League Summit in Jeddah in May 2023

What's behind Assad's return?

After years of being ostracized, Syrian President Bashar Assad has been welcomed back to the Arab League. But why?

This picture shows a partial view of Amin street in old Damascus, on March 22, 2023

This picture shows a partial view of Amin street in old Damascus, on March 22, 2023

Syria: Blast at Iran-linked missile stockpile in Damascus

The missile stockpiles of pro-Iranian militias near Damascus were hit by an explosion in the early hours of Sunday.

Syria's air defense missile, responding to a missile strike, is seen in the sky over Damascus, capital of Syria, on January 21, 2019

Syria's air defense missile, responding to a missile strike, is seen in the sky over Damascus, capital of Syria, on January 21, 2019

Syria reports soldier deaths in Israeli strike near Damascus

Syrian state media has reported four soldiers were killed in a missile strike outside Damascus.

Workers from different local humanitarian aid agencies, including the White Helmets and the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous Foundation, protest the closing of the border crossing to international aid deliveries.

Workers from different local humanitarian aid agencies, including the White Helmets and the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous Foundation, protest the closing of the border crossing to international aid deliveries.

Russia, Assad, UN? How to get aid to millions in Syria now

After the end of a UN mandate, the future of aid deliveries into northern Syria is worryingly uncertain.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (right) welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani (left) in Damascus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (right) welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani (left) in Damascus

Iraqi PM al-Sudani visits Syria to normalize relations

Although Baghdad maintained ties with Syria during the civil war, no Iraqi PM has visited Damascus for over a decade.

A Syrian protestor burning a picture of Syria's President Bashar Assad

A Syrian protestor burning a picture of Syria's President Bashar Assad

Syria: More than a decade of torture, murder, disappearances

Syria may be making a minor diplomatic comeback. But inside the country, human rights abuses are business as usual.

A guard opens a door inside a prison that holds foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, in Hasaka, Syria, January 7, 2020.

A guard opens a door inside a prison that holds foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, in Hasaka, Syria, January 7, 2020.

Netherlands, Canada take Syria torture claims to ICJ

The two countries are seeking both a crimes against humanity hearing, and an order that Damascus halt any such actions.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah

Assad attends Arab League summit after years of isolation

The 22-member league suspended Syria in a major condemnation of the government's crack down on protesters in 2011.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at press conference

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at press conference

Baerbock warns against 'unconditional' Assad normalization

Baerbock's comments come as a number of Arab states have softened their positions toward Damascus in recent months.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo on May 7, 2023.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo on May 7, 2023.

Arab League readmits Syria after 12-year suspension

Syria's membership was suspended in 2011 after protests against President Bashar Assad turned violent.

A child watches as a local artist works on a mural painting showing the late Syrian rebel fighter Abdel-Basset al-Sarout in the town of Binnish in the jihadi-held northern Idlib province .

A child watches as a local artist works on a mural painting showing the late Syrian rebel fighter Abdel-Basset al-Sarout in the town of Binnish in the jihadi-held northern Idlib province .

Arabs embracing Assad: Will it help ordinary Syrians?

The Syrian government is being taken back into the fold by Arab neighbors. Will this help Syrians living in poverty?

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023.

Syria, Saudi Arabia welcome thaw after over decade rift

The two countries announced restoration of consulate services and flights as Syria eases ties with Arab neighbors.

Syrian and Tunisian flags

Syrian and Tunisian flags

Tunisia, Syria resume diplomatic ties after almost 11 years

Syria is to reopen its diplomatic mission in Tunisia, the two countries have announced.

A file photo of US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft flying over a desert

A file photo of US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft flying over a desert

Syria: US forces kill senior 'Islamic State' leader

Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, a senior IS leader tied to planned attacks in Europe, was killed in Syria.

Thumbnail: Are sanctions hampering aid efforts in Syria?

Thumbnail: Are sanctions hampering aid efforts in Syria?

Who wants to lift Syria sanctions — Syrians or Assad regime?

After the earthquake, calls to lift sanctions on Syria flooded social media. Who is behind these calls?

EU Comission chief Ursula von der Leyen talks to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at Brussels donor conference

EU Comission chief Ursula von der Leyen talks to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at Brussels donor conference

Donors pledge €7 billion to Turkey, Syria quake recovery

At a donor conference, the EU said it will fund humantiarian assistance, but not full-scale reconstruction in Syria.

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcoming his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Abu Dhabi on March 19, 2023

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcoming his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Abu Dhabi on March 19, 2023

Syria's Assad visits UAE as Arab isolation eases

Last month's deadly earthquakes sped up efforts by Arab nations to reconcile with Damascus after the civil war.

Syrian President Bashar Assad review an honor guard of Russian soldiers during a welcome ceremony in Moscow

Syrian President Bashar Assad review an honor guard of Russian soldiers during a welcome ceremony in Moscow

Putin and Assad hold talks on anniversary of Syria uprising

Russia has been one of Syria's few allies during its years of war and is now trying to help Assad end his isolation.

Doku YT Plan KW 08 l 11875 In Trümmen

Doku YT Plan KW 08 l 11875 In Trümmen

Turkey-Syria earthquakes and their aftermath

Tens of thousands of people died in the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus

Jordan's top diplomat visits Syria after earthquakes

It was the first visit by a Jordanian official to Syria since civil war broke out in 2011.

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, search the rubble of a building for survivors following an earthquake in Idlib province

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, search the rubble of a building for survivors following an earthquake in Idlib province

Syria: UN welcomes Assad decision to open aid crossings

The White Helmets rescue group criticized the UN for allowing Syria's president to make decisions over aid deliveries.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad

Could the Syrian earthquake help rehabilitate Assad?

In light of much-needed aid, Assad accelerates his ambitions to end Syria's isolation and have sanctions lifted.

Russian servicemen help to dismantle the rubble of buildings in Aleppo, Syria.

Russian servicemen help to dismantle the rubble of buildings in Aleppo, Syria.

Syria earthquake: Russia provides emergency assistance

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has already been receiving help from one major ally, Russia.