Bassel al-Assad

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Bassel al-Assad (Arabic: باسل الأسد, Bāssel al Assad) (March 23, 1962 – January 21, 1994) was the eldest son of Hafez al-Assad and the older brother of Bashar al-Assad.

Biography

Although Bassel had studied mechanical engineering, having a degree in it, he chose a military career. He was commissioned in the Special Forces and later switched to the armoured corps after training in the Soviet Military Academies. He rapidly became a major and then commander of a battallion in the Republican Guard]. He was also appointed head of presidential security. He later received a Doctorate in Military Science. In addition, he launched the Syrian Computer Society in 1989, which later headed by his brother Bashar.

From a young age, Bassel Assad was groomed to succeed his father, President Hafez Assad. After Hafez Assad recovered from a serious illness in 1984, Bassel began to accompany his father in his visits. After his uncle Rifaat tried to usurp power, Bassel became heir apparent.

Assad was known to be an equestrian, being called "the Golden Knight". He first emerged on the national scene in 1987, when he won several equestrian] medals at a regional tournament. He had a rivalry with Adnan Qassar, who was one of the top equestrians in Syria. In 1993, Qassar, despite having no role in politics, was jailed. Bassel was believed to have been responsible for jailing Qassar. Qassar was later charged with possessing explosives and attempting to assassinate Bassel in a sham trial. After Bassel's death, Qassar was dragged out of his cell, beaten, and then thrown back into his cell. Qassar was not released until 2014.

Bassel organized a highly publicized "anti-corruption" campaign within the regime, and frequently appeared in full military uniform at official receptions, signaling the regime's commitment to the armed forces. He was also head of Syria's computer association. In 1988, regarding his relations with his father he told Patrick Seale "we saw father at home but he was so busy that three days could go by without us exchanging a word with him. We never had breakfast or dinner together, and I don't remember ever having lunch together as a family, or maybe we only did once or twice when state affairs were involved. As a family, we used to spend a day or two in Lattakia in the summer, but then too he used to work in the office and we didn't get to see much of him."

Since his last election victory in 1991, his father was publicly referred to as “Abu Basil” (Father of Bassel). > The Baath Party] press in Syria eulogised Bassel Assad as “the golden knight” due to his prowess in horsemanship]. He also had a reputation for his interest in fast cars. It was said by officials in Damascus that Bassel Assad was uncorrupted and honest. His friends and teachers describe Bassel as charismatic and commanding.

He was being introduced to European and Arab leaders at that period, and he was a close friend of the children of King Hussein of Jordan. He had been also introduced to King Fahd] and then Lebanese leaders of all sects. Assad had a significant role in Lebanese affairs, being accused of mingling with Lebanese affairs.

Death

On January 21, 1994, driving his Mercedes at high speed through fog to Damascus International Airport for a flight to Germany in the early hours of the morning, al-Assad is said to have collided with a motorway roundabout without wearing a seatbelt, and he died instantly. It was reported that his cousin Hafez Makhlouf was with him and hospitalized with injuries after the accident. al-Assad's body was taken to al-Assad University Hospital.