Asma al-Assad, the wife of exiled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has taken significant steps toward ending her marriage. She has filed for divorce and expressed a strong desire to return to the United Kingdom. According to reports, citing Turkish and Arab media, her dissatisfaction with life in Moscow has prompted this decision. Notably, the Assads have lived in exile in Moscow since being ousted from Syria.
To facilitate her move, Asma has reportedly applied to a Russian court for special permission to leave the country. At present, Russian authorities are reviewing her application.
Who is Asma al-Assad?
Born in London in 1975, Asma al-Assad comes from Syrian parents and holds both British and Syrian citizenship. After completing her education in computer science and French literature at King’s College London, she embarked on a career in investment banking. Eventually, she married Bashar al-Assad in December 2000.
The couple shares three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim. Reports suggest that, since the Syrian uprising began, Asma has sought to relocate to London with her children.
Bashar al-Assad’s Restricted Life in Moscow
Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad remains under strict asylum conditions in Moscow. Russian authorities have prohibited him from leaving the city or participating in political activities. Moreover, reports claim that his assets—including 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion in cash, and 18 properties in Moscow—have been frozen by Russian officials.
The Assad family’s reign ended when rebel forces breached Damascus. Consequently, Bashar fled the country, marking the fall of over five decades of Alawite rule. His father, Hafez al-Assad, had seized power through a military coup in 1970, solidifying the family’s dominance during a tumultuous period in Syria.
Key Figures in the Assad Inner Circle
- Maher al-Assad
Bashar’s younger brother, Maher al-Assad, played a crucial role in maintaining the regime’s power. As the commander of the Republican Guard and the 4th Armoured Division, Maher managed military operations. Additionally, he oversaw the notorious Shabiha militia, which suppressed dissent through violent means. Importantly, Maher maintained a strong alliance with Iran. The European Union sanctioned him for his role in the crackdown on protesters and implicated him in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. - Bushra al-Assad
Bushra, Bashar’s only sister, also held an influential position. She served as her brother’s secretary and married General Asef Shawkat, a high-ranking military figure, in 1995. However, reports suggest she had frequent disagreements with Asma over public appearances. Bushra reportedly preferred keeping the “First Lady” title associated with her late mother, Anisa, rather than allowing Asma to take the spotlight. - Rami Makhlouf
Rami Makhlouf, Bashar’s first cousin, dominated Syria’s economy. His investments spanned various sectors, including telecommunications, retail, and energy. Consequently, he became Syria’s wealthiest man and a key figure in the Assad regime.
Overall, the Assad family’s downfall has exposed fractures within its inner circle. While Bashar remains restricted in Moscow, Asma appears determined to start a new chapter. Her reported efforts to relocate to London highlight her intention to prioritize her children’s future and leave the tumultuous past behind.