He’s your standard issue Middle East strongman. He’s bad alright. But if he falls what comes after would be far, far worse.
L
The classic strong man dictator is what is required to rule ignorant 7th century goat humpers who refuse to peacefully join the modern world.
They require someone who understands them and can behave on their level.
They have no better nature to appeal to so the strong leader doesn’t waste time, he just goes for the throat and gets it over with.
Actually, much less blood is spilt that way and the next batch of trouble makers thinks twice before starting trouble.