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 29 years. Trained as an ophthalmologist, he initially had no plans to enter politics but was thrust into leadership following his brother's death. Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Assad's government has faced significant opposition and criticism for its handling of the conflict. The war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and widespread destruction across the country.