When Bashar al-Assad left Syria in December 2024, it marked the abrupt conclusion of a family dynasty that had governed the nation for over half a century. The downfall of his administration triggered a fresh round of investigations into the Assad family, with particular focus 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 lauded by Vogue as a symbol of modernization and described as “a rose in the desert,” she later became a contentious figure within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ sits down with guest host Jason Markusoff to delve into the evolution of Syria’s former first lady and her involvement in her husband’s authoritarian rule.
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