Final answer:
Bashar al-Assad's presidency has been marked by an absence of democratic processes, harsh responses to protests, and significant international pressure through sanctions, contributing to the ongoing conflict and instability within Syria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lack of democratic processes and long-standing rule by the al-Assad family, particularly Bashar al-Assad after his father Hafiz's death, has faced significant opposition and calls for reform. The Assad regime has been characterized by control over the military and accusations of acting to suppress opposition and maintain power without democratic legitimacy. Sanctions from the US, European nations, and Syria's neighbors, as well as uprisings seen in the context of the Arab Spring, have increased pressure on the regime. The government response to protests has been harsh, leading to a high number of casualties and detainees.
Furthermore, the situation in Syria is part of a broader regional context, where changes in leadership and demands for democracy have led to significant political shifts, as seen with the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Syria's geopolitical significance, including its influence in Lebanon and contentious relations with Israel over the Golan Heights, adds to the complexity of predicting the country's political future.