The Syrian government is the ruling authority of the Syrian Arab Republic, led by the Ba'ath Party since 1963. The current president, Bashar al-Assad, has been in power since 2000, following the presidency of his father, Hafez al-Assad. The government operates under a unitary presidential republic system, where the president holds significant power over the state. The Syrian government has faced significant challenges, particularly during the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. This conflict has involved various factions, including opposition groups and extremist organizations, leading to widespread violence and humanitarian crises. The government has sought to regain control over the country, often with the support of allies like Russia and Iran.