Bashar al-Assad has been sentenced to death in absentia by a Syrian court, which convicted the former president of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the country's 14‑year civil war. Six former security and military officials were also sentenced to death in absentia, including Assad's younger brother Maher. The fall of Bashar al‑Assad marks the end of one of the Middle East's longest modern‑day dynasties, spanning nearly 60 years of family rule in Syria. From Accidental Heir To Syrian PresidentAssad's father, Hafez al‑Assad, ruled Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000. With two older brothers, Bashar was not initially groomed to inherit power; succession was intended for the eldest brother, Basil.