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Asma al-Assad files for divorce

Published 1 months ago on Dec 23, 2024

Asma al-Assad, Britain-Born "Desert Rose," Reportedly Files for Divorce from Exiled Dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly filed for divorce while living in exile in Moscow. The former first lady, once lauded for her grace and dubbed the “Rose of the Desert,” is allegedly seeking to return to the United Kingdom, according to reports.

The couple has been in Moscow since December, following Bashar al-Assad’s ousting by Islamist rebels in Syria. The Assad regime, long criticized for its brutality during the Syrian Civil War, was toppled in a dramatic turn of events that left the family reliant on the Kremlin for sanctuary.

From London Roots to Damascus Power: The Asma and Bashar Love Story

Asma, 49, met Bashar in the early 1990s while on a holiday in Syria. Born and raised in London, she graduated from King’s College London with a degree in computer science and pursued a career in investment banking before her marriage to Bashar. Their relationship blossomed when Bashar moved to London to train as an ophthalmologist, and the pair tied the knot in 2000.

The same year marked a pivotal moment for Bashar as he assumed Syria’s presidency following the death of his elder brother, Bassel al-Assad, in a car accident. The couple quickly became the face of the Syrian regime, with Asma portrayed in international media as a modernizing force within the country’s leadership.

Reports of Divorce and Desire to Return to the UK

Now, over two decades later, Asma is reportedly seeking a divorce from Bashar while applying to Russian authorities for permission to leave the country and return to the UK. According to the Jerusalem Post, her application is currently under review by Russian officials.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the divorce rumors, stating, "No, they do not correspond to reality." However, sources close to the family suggest that tensions have risen within the Assad household during their time in Moscow.

Asma is also said to be dissatisfied with her medical treatment in Russia for acute myeloid leukemia, a severe form of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Reports indicate she would prefer to continue her treatment in the UK, where she has ties and access to advanced healthcare facilities.

Life in Exile: Assad's Family Under Tight Restrictions

The Assad family’s life in Moscow is reportedly far from the lavish lifestyle they enjoyed as Syria’s ruling dynasty. Bashar, often referred to as the “Butcher of Damascus” for his regime’s violent crackdowns, is under strict surveillance and barred from leaving the city or engaging in political activities.

Although the Assads are linked to luxury properties in Moscow’s elite skyscrapers—such as the City of Capitals and Federation Tower—it is believed they now reside in accommodations provided by the Russian government.

Financially, the family faces additional challenges. While Bashar reportedly transferred significant assets, including 270kg of gold and £1.6 billion, to Russia before his exile, his funds in the country have since been frozen.

Family Ties and Academic Pursuits

The couple’s three children—Hafez, Zein, and Karim—are also with them in Moscow. Their eldest son, Hafez Bashar al-Assad, 23, had been in Russia defending his thesis at Moscow State University just a week before the Assad regime fell.

The family’s once-unified front appears to be fracturing under the strain of exile, health concerns, and financial restrictions.

The Road Ahead: A Contentious Divorce or Strategic Move?

If Asma’s reported divorce filing is accurate, it could mark a significant shift in her relationship with Bashar and her role in the Assad legacy. Some speculate her move may be motivated by a desire to distance herself from her husband’s controversial legacy or to secure a more stable future for herself and her children in the West.

For Bashar, the loss of Asma’s support could further isolate him on the international stage, where he already faces widespread condemnation and sanctions.

A Complex Legacy

Asma al-Assad’s transformation from London banker to Syrian first lady—and now potentially an estranged wife in exile—mirrors the tumultuous journey of the Assad regime itself. Once celebrated for her elegance and modernity, she now finds herself entangled in the fallout of a regime that left Syria devastated and millions displaced.

The reported divorce filing and desire to return to the UK raise questions about her future and whether she can reclaim her identity outside the shadow of her husband’s infamous rule.

As developments unfold, the world will be watching to see whether Asma al-Assad’s next chapter marks a fresh start or continues to be intertwined with the controversial legacy of Bashar al-Assad.

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