When Bashar al-Assad left Syria in December 2024, it marked the abrupt conclusion of a family reign that had governed the nation for over five decades. The fall of his administration triggered a fresh wave of investigations into the Assad family, particularly focusing on Bashar’s spouse, Asma al-Assad.
Originally 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 modernizing influence and likened to “a rose in the desert,” she evolved into one of the most contentious figures within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ engages in a dialogue with guest host Jason Markusoff about the evolution of Syria’s former first lady and her involvement in her husband’s government.
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