When Bashar al-Assad left Syria in December 2024, it marked the abrupt end of a family legacy that had governed the nation for over five decades. The downfall of his administration triggered a fresh round of investigations into the Assad family, particularly focusing on Bashar’s wife, Asma al-Assad.
Formerly known as Emma Akhras, Asma was a British-born investment banker from West London before assuming the role of Syria’s first lady. Once portrayed by Vogue as a symbol of modernization and described as “a rose in the desert,” she evolved into one of the most contentious personalities within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ engages in a discussion with guest host Jason Markusoff about the evolution of Syria’s ex-first lady and her involvement in her husband’s governance.
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