1 month ago
32
December 9, 2024 | 07:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Referred to as “A Rose in the Desert” by Vogue in 2010, Asma al-Assad, the former Syria’s First Lady, was once admired for her elegance and successful career. However, her involvement in the Syrian civil war has been impossible to overlook, and her controversial role turns the admiration into one of widespread hatred.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Asma al-Assad, as cited from Women's Agenda and Reuters.
Who is Asma al-Assad?
Daughter of diplomat Sahar Otri and cardiologist Fawaz Akhras, Asma al-Assad was born in London in 1975. Growing up as a secular Muslim, the Syrian-rooted girl was often called "Emma" during school.
She attended Queen’s College before earning a degree in computer science and French literature from King’s College London in 1996. Following her graduation, she embarked on a professional career in banking, initially at Deutsche Bank in New York and later at Morgan Stanley in London as an investment banker.
Her successful banking career had her planning to pursue an MBA at Harvard. However, life had other plans, and Asma met Bashar al-Assad, the man who would change the course of her life.
Becoming the First Lady
Meeting Bashar in 2000, Asma's love life quickly led to marriage. Following Bashar's appointment as president of Syria in July, they tied the knot in December. By then, her little family of five is based in Damascus, comprising her, Bashar, and their three children.
As First Lady, Asma quickly captivated both national and international attention for her grace and achievements. Her demure demeanor and successful career helped her become the favorable image of a modern Muslim woman.
In the early years of her role as First Lady, Asma was actively involved in promoting youth initiatives, organizations, and charitable causes. As for the government part, she played a key role in Syria's economy by overseeing various sectors, such as banking, real estate, maritime industries, and telecommunications.
In a February 2010 interview with Vogue, Asma was called “A Rose in the Desert,” a title the magazine later retracted due to her association with the dictatorial regime.
Her image shifted dramatically as the Syrian conflict escalated. During the war, her influence over the country’s economy took a toll on its people. While civilians were being killed, barrel bombs dropped, and chemical weapons deployed, Asma focused on shakedowns of middle-class merchants and business magnates and remained silent.
As the war raged on, with 306,000 people dead and 6.7 million displaced over ten years, Asma continued to lavishly spend on her extravagant lifestyle. Crystal-encrusted heels, expensive jewelry, lavish home decor, and exclusive artwork are just some of the pieces of evidence of Asma being ignorant and taking sides with the regime.
Her role in these events led many to nickname her "Lady Macbeth," referencing the Shakespearean character known for her ruthlessness and ambition.
Health Issue
Despite her relatively young age, Asma was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Two years later, she sought treatment at a Syrian military hospital and publicly announced her full recovery in 2019.
However, in May 2024, the Syrian presidency revealed that Asma had been diagnosed with leukemia. The announcement draws a mixed public reaction, given her longstanding controversy.
WOMEN’S AGENDA | REUTERS
Editor’s Choice: Bashar Al Assad and Family Flee from Syria, Granted Asylum in Russia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Brief Profile of Bashar al-Assad: From Doctor to Syrian Dictator
4 jam lalu
After inheriting power in 2000, Bashar al-Assad's presidency finally came to an end. Here's a brief profile of the former president of Syria.
Netanyahu Orders Israeli Military to Seize Syrian Buffer Zone
6 jam lalu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to seize the demilitarized buffer zone on the border with Syria.
Bashar Al Assad and Family Flee from Syria, Granted Asylum in Russia
7 jam lalu
The deposed President of Syria, Bashar al Assad, and his family arrived in Moscow on Sunday and have been granted asylum.
Indonesian Embassy in Damascus Struck by Stray Bullets Amid Syrian Civil War
8 jam lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday, Dec. 8, that stray bullets had impacted the roof of the Embassy building in Damascus.
Here Are the Syrian Rebel Factions That Toppled Bashar al Assad
8 jam lalu
In just two weeks, Syrian rebels have succeeded in toppling President Bashar al Assad and seizing power, who are they?
Understanding the Syrian Conflict: Who is Fighting and Why?
9 jam lalu
The Syrian conflict is flaring up once again. The rebels have reignited the civil war in the country led by President Bashar Al Assad.
What is Happening in Syria? How did Bashar al Assad Fall?
9 jam lalu
On Sunday, opposition forces declared Syria had been liberated from the rule of President Bashar al Assad as opposition forces stormed the capital.
Syrian Rebels Topple Assad Who Flees to Russia in Mideast Shakeup
10 jam lalu
Syrian rebels seized the capital Damascus after a lightning advance that sent President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia after a 13-year civil war.
Israel Praises Overthrow of Syria's Bashar al Assad
11 jam lalu
Israel praises the overthrow of Bashar al Assad and immediately pushes the presence of its tanks through the buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
When Bashar al Assad's Iron Fist Failed to Suppress the Rebellion in Syria
23 jam lalu
Bashar al Assad is unable to defeat the Syrian rebels who have been undermining him for 14 years and now his weakness has caused his rule to collapse.
