Crossword Genius

Middle East leader equally despondent (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assad

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'middle east leader' is the definition.
'assad' can be an answer for 'leader' (I have seen 'Arab leader' mean 'assad' so perhaps 'leader' could also mean 'assad'). I am unsure of the 'middle east' bit.

'equally despondent' is the wordplay.
'equally' becomes 'as' (synonyms).
'despondent' becomes 'sad' (I've seen this before).
'as'+'sad'='ASSAD'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for assad that I've seen is " Arab leader".)

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