Tldr

But I did start reading and this reminds me a kid breaking 4 windows and saying the fifth was already broken.

Assad is a dictator.
If there was real freedom in Syria he would not be elected. He inhereted the power from his father.
He let millions suffer for his desire to stay in power.

This way of governance is primitive and leads to decline of nations.
You can take a look at Turkey and Russia. Places that had elections but the president don't let go.

Nations that are kidnapped by grandomans.

Syrria could thrive if Assad would care about the nation more than his own power.

Everybody knows that.
Assad is a killer.