Bashar al-Assad Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1527 GMT (2327 HKT) September 2, 2020

An undated photo shows current Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, second from left, posing with his family. Al-Assad's parents, then-President Hafez Assad and his wife, Anisa, in front, and his siblings in the second row; Maher, Bassel, Majd and Bushra.
Photos: Photos: Bashar Al-Assad's political career
Bashar Al-Assad's political career – An undated photo shows current Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, second from left, posing with his family. Al-Assad's parents, then-President Hafez Assad and his wife, Anisa, in front, and his siblings in the second row; Maher, Bassel, Majd and Bushra.
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Al-Assad is seen in an 1997 photograph during the time his father, President Hafez Assad, reshuffled the top of the Syrian military. The move was seen as an effort to clear the way for al-Assad to rise to power.
Photos: Photos: Bashar Al-Assad's political career
Bashar al-Assad's political career – Al-Assad is seen in an 1997 photograph during the time his father, President Hafez Assad, reshuffled the top of the Syrian military. The move was seen as an effort to clear the way for al-Assad to rise to power.
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Al-Assad waves to supporters as he marches behind the coffin during his father's funeral in Damascus on June 13, 2000.
Photos: Photos: Bashar Al-Assad