In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad left Syria, marking the end of a family dynasty that had governed the nation for over five decades. The downfall of his administration spurred renewed interest in the Assad family, particularly Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife. Originally known as Emma Akhras, she was a British-born investment banker from West London before becoming Syria’s first lady. Once praised by Vogue for her modernizing efforts and likened to “a rose in the desert,” she later became a contentious figure in Assad’s oppressive rule.
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 regime with guest host Jason Markusoff.
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