I agree with Gabbard. A lot of these countries need a dictator to keep things in check. Any of the rebels who might take control of the country would be as bad,or worse, than Assad.
People say this as if it is a completely bad thing. If the dictatorship isn't too outrageously oppressive, the resulting order is a good thing. The extremes of authoritarianism I'm thinking of are Singapore and Zimbabwe.
In the US, and in much of Europe, this wasn't necessary because there was enough common shared culture and belief, and the custom of at least honoring that shared part to mutual benefit. Unfortunately, due to Leftist influences, including Balkanization through immigration as well as political dialog, that common ground is shrinking. The center might not hold for long.