State grew up in the shadow of his father , the late president Bashar . But in recent months -- and after more than a decade in power -- the Syrian leader has drawn criticism from around the globe as he 's met popular protests and unrest with force . His father ruled with iron fist , jailing some dissidents and marginalizing others . His son , Hafez al-Assad , enjoyed rare privileges and education as he studied abroad . But those in Middle East and the Hama province initially seemed heartened by the incoming president .
State grew up in the shadow of his father , the late president Bashar . His father ruled with iron fist , jailing some dissidents and marginalizing others . His son , Hafez al-Assad , enjoyed rare privileges and education as he studied abroad . But those in Middle East and the Hama province initially seemed heartened by the incoming president .