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He also participated in a series of military courses, including a staff command course and a tank battalion command course, which were prerequisites for advancement in the Syrian army. Second, Basil became more prominently exposed to the public and gained a measure of popularity. This exposure initially centered on his sports activity as leader of the Syrian Olympics equestrian team, and later on his work to promote computer awareness through the Syrian Computer Society (aljam‘iyya al-ma‘lumatiyya), which he founded at that time and headed until his death.
Given wide attention by the Syrian media as soon as he returned home, he was projected as following in Basil’s footsteps even during the mourning rites. Thereafter, he received extensive coverage when taking part in activities favored by Basil, including horse racing and conferences relating to computers. In contrast to Basil, Bashar did not actively race horses, but was shown awarding prizes to the winners. 44 The image created was of a vigorous, dynamic young man, with emphasis placed on his efforts to foster modernization and openness in Syria and heighten awareness of computer and Internet use.
In the end, however, Asad Sr. relented under the pressure of his daughter’s entreaties, or possibly threats, and gave his blessing to the couple. The marriage, and especially the twins born thereafter (Hafiz and Naya, who were Asad’s first grandchildren), clearly improved the atmosphere in the family and enhanced Shawkat’s status. 15 Nevertheless, rumor had it that there was tension between the “royal couple,” as Asaf and Bushra were referred to surreptitiously, and Bashar, and especially between Asaf and Mahir.