Hafez al-Assad was a Syrian politician and military leader who served as the President of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000. He was born on October 6, 1930, in Qardaha, Syria. Al-Assad was a member of the Ba'ath Party, which promoted Arab nationalism and socialism. His rule was marked by a strong centralized government and significant military influence. During his presidency, al-Assad implemented various economic and social reforms, but his regime was also known for its authoritarian practices and suppression of dissent. He played a key role in regional politics, particularly in relation to Lebanon and Israel. After his death, his son, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded him as president.