The fall of Bashar al-Assad from power in December 2024 marked the abrupt end of a long-standing family reign in Syria. Following the collapse of his regime, a fresh wave of investigations emerged, shedding light on the lives of the Assads, particularly Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife.
Originally known as Emma Akhras, Asma was a British investment banker hailing 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 later became a controversial figure within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ discusses the evolution of Syria’s former first lady and her involvement in her husband’s authoritarian rule.