In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s departure from Syria marked the end of a longstanding family rule over the nation. The fall of his regime triggered renewed scrutiny into the lives of the Assads, especially focusing on Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, who was formerly known as Emma Akhras, a British investment banker from West London. Initially portrayed by Vogue as a transformative figure and described as “a rose in the desert,” her role evolved to become a contentious aspect of Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ engages with guest host Jason Markusoff to delve into the evolution of Syria’s ex-first lady and her involvement in her husband’s governance.
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