''The long-term strategic vision of President Bashar Al-Assad, which we share with him, has played an important role in the rapid development of the Syrian-Turkish relations."

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish Premier, December 19, 2010.

"His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad is THE man of dignity and pride, whose words are deeds, which makes Syria continue, under his courageous and wise leadership, to encounter whoever wants evil for the Nation.''

Sheikh Dr. Mustafa Albagha of Manjaq Mosque, Damascus, November 16, 2010.

''The year of 2009 is the year of Syria and of His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad's brilliance. President Al-Assad is the most close to His People, Arabs and to the public opinion; enjoying the more of amity, confidence, and closeness to Arabs.''

Prof. Mohsen Bilal, the Minister of Information, December 30, 2009.

“After eight and a half years at Syria's helm, President Bashar Assad is gaining the respect and admiration that had been reserved for his father Hafez. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been courting him enthusiastically with the help of a Turkish matchmaker, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. European leaders are standing in line to meet with him. Close associates of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama see Syria as the basis for a new balance of power in the region.”

Aluf Benn, Haaretz Correspondent, December 26, 2008.

“Events and developments have proved that Syria has been on the right course; President Bashar Al-Assad is the only man who has been able to read well the reality and course of events.”

Dr. Abdullah Al-Ashal, International Law Professor and former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister, August 10, 2007.

“President Bashar Al-Assad has made of Syria the formidable bastion in the face of all pressures and threats against the Syrian National stances.”

Sami A’shour, Arab Lawyers Union Chairman, August 7, 2007.