Syria is a country located in the Middle East with a rich history dating back thousands of years. It has been ruled by various empires including the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. In the 20th century, Syria gained independence from French colonial rule in 1946. The country has been marked by periods of instability, including military coups and conflicts with Israel. In 1970, Hafez al-Assad came to power in a coup and ruled Syria until his death in 2000. His son, Bashar al-Assad, succeeded him as president. In 2011, Syria was engulfed in a civil war that has caused widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict involves various factions, including the Syrian government, rebel groups, ISIS, and Kurdish forces, with the involvement of regional and international powers.