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Podcast: Profile
Episode: Bashar al-Assad
Description: Bashar al-Assad of Syria is facing a serious challenge to his rule in the form of widespread political protest across the country. Simon Cox examines how instead of training to be an eye doctor in London he was thrust into the role of leader of an Arab state in the of a political storm. Had his brother not died, Bashar would almost certainly have been destined for a quiet life outside politics and far from the spotlight. He came to power in 2000 on a wave of hope for political and economic reform. Under his leadership, the country...