The unbecoming pictures have been ridiculed by Syrians, who after decades of forced imprisonment, displacement and persecution under Assad and his father’s tyranny have hailed his deposition and exile as the start of a new era. Assad’s houses, which appear to have been hurriedly abandoned by him, his family and his allies as the rebel fighters closed in, have been emptied of his remaining possessions by Syrians seeking vengeance. The billionaire’s luxury belongings have been stripped from his residences, while furniture, documents, letters and other items have been strewn across the wrecked buildings.
Originally trained as an ophthalmologist, Bashar al-Assad studied in Damascus and later pursued medical training in London before being recalled to Syria after his older brother Bassel, heir apparent to the presidency, died in a car accident in 1994. This event redirected his path from medicine to politics, ultimately positioning him as Syria’s leader. Became president in 2000 at age 34, after a constitutional amendment lowered the minimum age requirement.
