Syria's role in Lebanon changed over the years of the civil war from an intervention to an occupation.[3] After the Taif Accord was signed, Syrian forces remained in Lebanon under the justification of Israel's failure to withdraw, as per the accord.[13] AN estimated 35,000 (by the year 2000) Syrian troops remained in Lebanon.[14] The Syrian occupation of Lebanon lasted until 2005.[15] During the Syrian occupation, the government under Hafez al-Assad, extending to Bashar al-Assad after 2000, the Syrian government carried out infringements of human rights, including the detonation of Lebanese citizens in Syrian-occupied Lebanon without trial and torturing them without rights for legal council.[16][17] In light of those who went missing during, what the Human Rights Watch described as, a "terror campaign" of censorship and fear inflicted on the Lebanese citizens,[9] a negative sentiment to develop within the Lebanese population against Syria.[19]