Because of his increasing seclusion from state affairs , the government became accustomed to working without his involvement in day - to - day affairs .
Assad continued to conduct meetings , traveling abroad occasionally ; he visited Moscow in July 1999 .
Because of Assad 's increasing seclusion from state affairs , the government became accustomed to working without his involvement in day - to - day affairs .
Assad continued to conduct meetings , traveling abroad occasionally ; he visited Moscow in July 1999 .