Syria 's Dar al - Islam 's benefited from ` ` Soviet - style regime , '' an activist said . The president has portrayed himself as a reformer but is ruthless , scholars say . Ethnic rivalries figure into support for the regime . A divided opposition is helping the president this time .
Syria 's Bashar al-Assad 's benefited from `` Soviet-style tactics , '' an activist says . The president has portrayed himself as a reformer but is ruthless , scholars say . Ethnic rivalries figure into support for the regime . A divided opposition is helping the president buy time .