The Syrian Zugzwang

... assumed that the old elite would retain their privileges under Bashar al-Assad. Tlass and Khaddam were also fierce adversaries, making the choice in favor of Hafez al-Assad’s relatively apolitical son seem the best option. The generals and the Ba'athist elite hoped that Bashar al-Assad would be able to maintain the status quo and that the privileged position of the army and of the “old guard” would remain untouched. However, Bashar al-Assad’s rise to power in Syria was met with a mixed reception both ...