Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria, having taken office in July 2000 after the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled the country for nearly 30 years. Trained as an ophthalmologist, Bashar initially had no plans to enter politics but was thrust into leadership following his brother's death. His presidency has been marked by significant controversy, particularly during the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. The conflict has led to widespread violence, humanitarian crises, and international condemnation of his government's actions against opposition groups and civilians.