New 08-2005: Ahmad al-Khatib, the forgotten president of Syria who ruled from November 1970 to March 1971. He was propped up as head of state by General Hafez al-Asad, after the “correction movement” of November 16, 1970. Asad tested the waters through Khatib, preferring for himself the post of prime minister during the brief 4-months of Khatib’s rule. When Asad became president in March 1971, Khatib became speaker of the People’s Assembly (parliament).