Assad is literally a hero.

He was a doctor who was called in to lead the country by his family and overwhelmingly won the position in a democratic election.

Then, suddenly, foreign mercenaries flood into the state and start false flagging to gain international backing to be able to hold cities. At the same time ISIS floods in and begins claiming land.

During this clusterfuck he rallies the military, evacuates cities and creates a stable domestic zone with almost no terrorism and is able to continue the rule of law and government while providing for his people.

By all metrics a hero. Not just not a bad person, a literal hero of legend for his people.