Bassel al-Assad

He was trained as a mechanical engineer. However, he chose a military career. He was commissioned in the Special Forces and later switched to the Armoured crops after training in the Soviet Military Academies. He rapidly became a major and then commander of a brigade in the Republican Guard.

From a young age, Bassel Assad was groomed to fill the role of President by his father, Hafez Assad. He organized a highly publicized anti-corruption campaign within the regime, and frequently appeared in full military uniform at official receptions, signaling the regime's commitment to the armed forces. He was also head of Syria's computer association.

Since his last election victory in 1991, then President Hafez Assad was publicly referred to as 'Abu Basil' (Father of Bassel). The Baath Party press in Syria long ago eulogised Bassel Assad as 'the golden knight' due to his prowess in horsemanship. Read Less