Challenges to Bashar al-Assad's Rule: Factors Contributing to Instability in Syria During the Civil War

Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria has been marked by a complex interplay of internal and external factors that ultimately led to significant challenges to his governance. The uprising against his regime began in March 2011, fueled by widespread discontent among various segments of the population. Initially, the protests were part of the broader Arab Spring movement, where citizens across the region sought democratic reforms, greater freedoms, and an end to authoritarian rule.