Al-Assad Family

The Al-Assad family is a prominent political dynasty in Syria, founded by Hafez al-Assad, who became president after a coup in 1970. He ruled until his death in 2000, after which his son, Bashar al-Assad, took over. The family is known for its authoritarian governance, tight control over the military, and a strong security apparatus. The regime has faced significant opposition, especially during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, resulting in widespread violence and humanitarian crises. The family's rule is marked by human rights abuses and a focus on maintaining power amidst internal and external challenges.