What Does the Future Hold for Bashir al-Assad?

As recent reports indicate Syria President Bashir al-Assad is preparing another round of chemical weapon attacks against dissenters as an escalation of the ongoing conflict in Syria, what does the future for the Middle Eastern dictator hold?
With strong alliances and relationships forged with two of the west's most notorious adversaries, does al-Assad have the backing to maintain a firm grip of power?
Or will rebel factions and UN support lead to his eventual ouster?
While we may not have all of the answers, we know the question is one that will dictate the future of Syria for years to come.