In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad fled Syria, marking the end of a fifty-year family dynasty that governed the nation. The downfall of his regime led to increased scrutiny of the Assad family, particularly focusing on Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, who was previously known as Emma Akhras, a British investment banker from West London. Once portrayed by Vogue as a symbol of modernization and elegance, Asma later became a controversial figure within Assad’s oppressive rule.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ discusses Asma’s evolution from a prominent first lady to a figure allegedly complicit in her husband’s authoritarian regime. For transcripts of the podcast, visit the Front Burner website. Subscribe to Front Burner on popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.