American diplomats said Assad had difficulty staying focused and seemed tired during their meetings ; he was seen as incapable of functioning for more than two hours a day .
By the late 1990s , Assad 's health had deteriorated .
American diplomats said Assad had difficulty staying focused and seemed tired during their meetings ; Assad was seen as incapable of functioning for more than two hours a day .
By the late 1990s , Assad 's health had deteriorated .