 Assad's first choice of successor was his brother Rifaat al-Assad, an idea he broached as early as 1980, and his brother's coup attempt weakened the institutionalised power structure on which he based his rule.Instead of changing his policy, Assad tried to protect his power by honing his governmental model.He gave a larger role to Bassel al-Assad, who was rumored to be his father's planned successor; this kindled jealousy within the government.