His first choice was his brother Rifaat , but Rifaat attempted to seize power in 1983 -- 84 when Hafez 's health was in doubt .
Having become the main source of initiative inside the Syrian government , Assad began looking for a successor .
Assad 's first choice was his brother Rifaat , but Rifaat attempted to seize power in 1983 -- 84 when Hafez 's health was in doubt .
Having become the main source of initiative inside the Syrian government , Assad began looking for a successor .