A face to face interview is probably the most effective way of assessing someone. That's why you rarely get a job without one.
You seem to be saying we should just go on the opinion of others who might be biased. If I only based my opinion of you on what other posters on here think of you then that would be unfair. For example, I don't think you are "a complete and utter knob".
I base my opinion of the character of the Assads on what I can see and hear myself. I don't want some religious nutter or some corrupt politician telling me what to think about them. As far as I can see they do not look or sound like crazed blood thirsty tyrants.