delusional, conspiracy minded and persuasive and coming across in interviews as the antithesis of a murderous dictator. when asked about reports he threatened lebanon's prime minister. >> it's not my nature to threaten anybody. i'm a very frank and i wouldn't threaten. >> reporter: in 2011 when abc's barbara walters pressed him whether he ordered his forces to fire on the opposition? >> they're not my forces. they are military forces belong to the government. i doesn't on't own them. i'm president. >> you have to give the order. >> no, no. >> not by your command? >> no one's command. there was no command to kill or to be brutal. >> what do you make of that bearing? he's so polite and soft toned? >> i think he's a master of deception. i think the regime, the package of bashar and his wife is very seducti seductive. it draws you. how could someone who seems so