Speaking shortly before a pair of car bombs killed at least 46 people in the city of Homs, Mr Assad said he was still optimistic that his war-ravaged country would one day be “safe and sound”.

The Syrian regime leader was asked by the Spanish newspaper El Pais where he saw himself in ten years. “The most important thing is how I see my country, because I’m part of my country,” he replied.

“So, in 10 years, if I can save Syria as president – but that doesn’t mean I’m still going to be president in 10 years. I’m just talking about my vision of the 10 years. If Syria is safe and sound, and I’m the one who saved his country – that’s my job now, that’s my duty.”