In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, marking the end of a long-standing family rule. This event led to increased scrutiny of the Assad family, particularly focusing on Bashar’s wife, Asma al-Assad.
Before assuming the role of Syria’s first lady, Asma, formerly known as Emma Akhras, was a British investment banker from West London. Once praised by Vogue for her modernizing influence and described as a symbol of beauty in a harsh environment, she later became a controversial figure associated with Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ delves into the evolution of Syria’s ex-first lady and her involvement in supporting her husband’s authoritarian rule.
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