“watching the people still under Assad, how they dressed, how they partied, how they adored Assad and how they knew what was in store for them if Assad loses”
Saddam had an elite that lived high on the fruits of the Dictator’s oppression, torture, genocide, and warmaking as well. So did Hitler. So does every despot. Very modern, fashionable people. Cute kids with adorable grandmas.
“...Dictator’s oppression, torture, genocide, and warmaking...”
Considering the BLOODTHIRSTINESS of ISIS, I’d say he knew his enemies PERFECTLY and had EVERY RIGHT to treat his opponents as he did.