For more on his career and role in Middle Eastern politics, click on the photo. A look back at Assad's career. Assad withstood international sanctions, internal enemies, and external threats to become one of the longest-serving leaders in the Middle East. In a three-decade reign often marked by brutality, he was a key player in Middle East politics.
Sadness is in the heart of every man, woman and child.
The legacy of his accomplishments and ideas is a planet that will shine not just in this generation, but also coming generations. Lebanese President Emil Lahoud, in a letter to Assad's son and apparent heir, Bashar, wrote that he was the last to speak to the Syrian leader. Syrian television announced Assad's passing seven hours after he was officially pronounced dead. It showed legislators weeping openly and bowing their heads in a moment of silence upon hearing the news. Assad had been ailing for some time and he reportedly also suffered from lymphoma and kidney failure.