Bashar al-Assad, born on September 11, 1965, in Damascus, Syria, has been a pivotal figure in global politics since he assumed the presidency in 2000 following the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad. Trained as an ophthalmologist in London before his political ascent, Assad’s leadership has been marked by significant controversy, particularly during the Syrian Civil War, which has had a profound impact on Syria and international relations. His governance has been characterized by an authoritarian regime, facing widespread criticism for human rights abuses. Despite this, Assad has expressed his views on leadership, governance, and international affairs through various speeches and interviews.
Top-10 Quotes by Bashar al-Assad
- “I am not a puppet. I was not made by the West to go to the West or to any other country.”
- “We are fighting terrorism, we are implementing our Constitution, and we are defending our people.”
- “The only way to succeed is by solving the problem of terrorism and having a real political process that would satisfy the majority of the Syrians.”
- “You cannot have peace without stability, you cannot have stability while you have terrorists spreading chaos against civilians.”
- “As long as I have the public support and as long as I am legitimate, I have the right to defend my country.”
- “The West is like a magician waving his wand and putting us in a trance, and we are foolishly following him.”
- “Nobody knows Syria better than the Syrians. So, outsiders should not decide what the solutions should be.”
- “I did not come to power through an election, I came because the public wanted me to be in this position.”
- “If you want to talk about the rights of the Syrians, then what about the rights of the majority to live in safety and security?”
- “Our battle is not only against terrorism but also against the plans to divide and weaken states to ensure that the West maintains control.”
The quotes from Bashar al-Assad encapsulate his defensive stance against external criticisms and his justification of his leadership during Syria’s ongoing conflict. They reflect his views on sovereignty, terrorism, and the complex interplay of domestic and international politics surrounding his rule. Assad’s rhetoric often emphasizes the legitimacy and necessity of his governance model, portraying himself as a steadfast leader amidst turmoil. While his statements are polarizing, they are crucial for understanding the narrative Assad promotes both to his constituents and the wider world.