Assad's Dynasty

Hafez al-Assad's Family Dynasty

On November 16, 1970, Hafez al-Assad seized power in Syria, marking the beginning of a family's grip on the country. Assad, a former air force officer, installed himself as president in Damascus. By 1971, he had consolidated his power, paving the way for a dynasty that would rule Syria for decades.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Hafez al-Assad's rise to power was a result of his military prowess and political cunning. The standard story goes that he was a skilled leader who modernized Syria and maintained its stability in a volatile region. However, this narrative overlooks the intricate web of family ties and cronyism that actually propped up his regime. Assad's family connections played a crucial role in his ascent, and he made sure to secure key positions for his relatives and loyalists.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Patrick Seale, author of "Asad: The Struggle for the Middle East," and Moshe Ma'oz, who wrote "Syria and Israel: From War to Peacemaking," actively challenge the common perception of Hafez al-Assad's rule. They argue that Assad systematically installed his family members in key positions, creating a de facto family business. Assad's brother, Rifaat, was appointed as the head of the elite Defense Companies in 1970, while his cousin, Adnan, became a high-ranking officer in the Syrian army. Hafez al-Assad even went so far as to create a new constitution in 1973, which enshrined his role as president and paved the way for his son Bashar to eventually succeed him. By 1984, Assad had suppressed all opposition, and his family's grip on power was absolute. Historian Eyal Zisser, in his book "Asad's Syria at the Crossroads," notes that Assad's regime was marked by a complex network of alliances and rivalries, with his family at the center. As the years passed, Assad continued to consolidate his power, and by 1998, he had ensured that his son Bashar was being groomed to take over as president.

The Part That Got Buried

Hafez al-Assad's transformation of Syria into a family-run regime was deliberately obscured by his regime's tight control over the media and historical records. Syrian historians and journalists who attempted to document the al-Assad family's rise to power were silenced or forced into exile by the government. The international community also played a role in downplaying the story, as Western diplomats and politicians often prioritized stability and diplomatic relations with the Syrian government over transparency and accountability. One concrete reason this history was not told is that the Syrian government refused to grant access to its archives, making it difficult for researchers to gather primary sources and evidence. As a result, the story of how Hafez al-Assad turned Syria into a family business was largely ignored by the international media, allowing the regime to maintain its grip on power.

The Ripple Effect

The consequences of Hafez al-Assad's rule and his son's continuation of the family business are still felt today. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, was in part a response to the al-Assad family's decades-long stranglehold on power. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and widespread destruction. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the European migrant crisis, which was exacerbated by the Syrian civil war. The crisis has put a strain on European countries, leading to increased tensions and debates over immigration policies.

The Line That Says It All

Hafez al-Assad's death in 2000 marked the beginning of his son Bashar's rule, which has been marked by continued repression and violence against the Syrian people.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the al-Assad regime and modern Syrian history.