Syria's deposed president Bashad al Assad was once courted by Tony Blair and welcomed by the UK government, but their relationship soured over time. Blair saw Assad as a moderniser and reformer and made efforts to establish diplomatic ties, including visits to Syria and welcoming Assad to Downing Street. The UK-Syria relationship was so cordial that Assad even met the Queen during his visit to London. However, by 2006, Blair accused Syria of supporting terrorism, and in 2011, the relationship came to an abrupt end as Assad's regime cracked down on Arab Spring protesters, triggering a civil war. This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Assad's fall but expressed caution about the future of Syria.