Asmaa al-Assad, born on August 11, 1975, in Latakia, Syria, is the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She was born Asmaa Akhras and later took on the name Asmaa al-Assad after her marriage to Bashar al-Assad in 2000. Asmaa holds dual Syrian and British citizenship, as she spent part of her childhood in the United Kingdom.
Educationally, Asmaa al-Assad studied computer science at King’s College London and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. She then worked in investment banking and the financial sector in London before returning to Syria.
As the First Lady of Syria, Asmaa al-Assad initially gained attention for her advocacy work and efforts to promote social and economic development in the country. She focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment, launching various initiatives to improve the well-being of Syrians.
However, as the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, the international perception of Asmaa al-Assad underwent a significant shift. The conflict, marked by widespread violence and human rights abuses, caused a humanitarian crisis in the country. The Syrian government, including Asmaa’s husband Bashar al-Assad, faced criticism for their handling of the crisis.
Asmaa al-Assad’s public image shifted from that of a modern, reform-oriented figure to a more controversial figure associated with the Syrian regime. She faced criticism for her perceived silence regarding the government’s actions during the conflict.
Despite the ongoing war, Asmaa continued to engage in philanthropic activities and launched initiatives to support those affected by the conflict. She also delivered speeches and interviews to international media, defending the government’s actions and portraying a positive image of Syria.
It’s important to note that information and perceptions about Asmaa al-Assad may vary depending on different sources and perspectives. Due to the nature of the conflict in Syria and limited access to reliable information, obtaining a comprehensive and unbiased biography can be challenging.