Abdul Halim Khaddam

Abdul Halim Khaddam was a prominent Syrian politician who served as the country's Vice President from 1984 to 2005 under President Hafez al-Assad. Known for his long-standing loyalty to the Assad regime, Khaddam played a crucial role in Syrian politics and foreign affairs. Following the death of Hafez al-Assad, he continued to hold significant influence until he eventually defected in 2005, publicly criticizing the Assad regime and calling for reform in Syria.