Assad, Bashar al- (1965-), president of Syria (since 17 July 2000), son of president Hafez al-Assad (1930-2000). Born in Damascus on September 11, 1965, Bashar studied medicine at Damascus University and ophthalmology in England. After the accidental death of his brother Bassel in January 1994, he returned to Syria and joined the army. Made a colonel in 1999, Bashar Al-Assad became more and more involved in the state's affairs. On different occasions, he was sent as a personal representative of his father to meet with foreign heads of states. His ascend to power accelerated dramatically on June 10, 2000 with the sudden death of Hafez Al-Assad. On the same day, the Parliament amended the Constitution, setting at 34 years the minimum age required to become president. On July 10, he was elected president in a public referendum.
