The Arab world mourned President Assad and considered his legacy as an obstinate defender of Arab rights, arbiter of Lebanon and scourge of domestic opposition.
"Syria and the Arab world have lost a powerful personality which left its mark on events," the Arab League secretary-general, Mr Esmat Abdel-Meguid, said.
Lebanon's press hailed the "Lion of Damascus" as a leader who had made no compromises to his long-time enemy, Israel.
Egypt's state-owned al-Gomhuria newspaper recalled his role in the "glorious October War" of 1973 when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel.
"He also fought with wisdom in the field of bitter negotiations with Israel. He raised the banner of full withdrawal in return for full peace, standing fast in front of manoeuvres that had tried to lessen Arab rights," it said.
President Mubarak said he would "always cherish his close friendship with the Syrian leader". The Palestinian President, Mr Yasser Arafat, promised to back his successor. King Abdullah of Jordan praised Assad as a great statesman who dedicated his life to the Arab cause.
Turkish newspapers, however, shed few tears at the death of the southern neighbour Turkey had threatened with war two years ago. "Terrorism in mourning," said the mass-circulation Sabah newspaper.