Assad seems a Good man. Western media actively involved in his defamation, and taking no day off doing so. The reason is simple he not align to their agenda and no he is president of the country that is too weak to stand their ground as neutral. Hence it is easy for western nations to get rid of him that having dialogue with him. But as long as his country men supports him, he will manage to stay strong. Syria right now is going through tough time and will require overall qualitative easing in every public and private sector to uplift their nation. Moreover building strong relation other nation to improve their economic condition through exports human resource and cultural exchange. Best Luck Assad.