The departure of Bashar al-Assad from Syria in December 2024 marked the abrupt end of a family reign spanning over half a century. Following the collapse of his administration, renewed scrutiny delved into the lives of the Assad family, particularly focusing on Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife.
Originally known as Emma Akhras, Asma was a British-born investment banker hailing from West London before assuming the role of Syria’s first lady. Once lauded by Vogue as a symbol of modernization and likened to “a rose in the desert,” she emerged as a contentious figure within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ engages with guest host Jason Markusoff to explore the evolution of Syria’s former first lady and her involvement in her husband’s authoritarian rule.
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