Changes

Under al-Assad, Syria maintains a close alliance with theocratic [[Iran]], despite his more secular form of governance. Like his father [[Hafez al-Assad]], his relation with [[Saddam Hussein]]'s [[Iraq]] was sour and tense, and after [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] he established good relations with the new Iraqi government.

Under al-Assad, Syria maintains a close alliance with theocratic [[Iran]], despite his more secular form of governance. Like his father [[Hafez al-Assad]], his relation with [[Saddam Hussein]]'s [[Iraq]] was sour and tense, and after [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] he established good relations with the new Iraqi government.

Al-Assad is very [[anti-American]]. Neither [[George W. Bush]] nor [[Barack Hussein Obama]] have met with him and both administrations have accused him, rightfully, of harboring [[terrorist]] organizations such as [[Hamas]] (which had its headquaters in [[Damascus]]) and [[Hezbollah]]. He is also hostile to [[Israel]] and [[Zionism]] and refuses to recognize the country's right to exist.

Al-Assad is very [[anti-American]]. Neither [[George W. Bush]] nor [[Barack Hussein Obama]] have met with him and both administrations have accused him, rightfully, of harboring [[terrorist]] organizations such as [[Hamas]] (which had its headquarters in [[Damascus]]) and [[Hezbollah]]. He is also hostile to [[Israel]] and [[Zionism]] and refuses to recognize the country's right to exist.

==Personal life==

==Personal life==