When Bashar al-Assad left Syria in December 2024, it marked the end of a family dynasty that had governed the nation for over half a century. The fall of his administration led to increased scrutiny into the lives of the Assads, particularly Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, previously known as Emma Akhras, a British investment banker from West London. Once portrayed as a symbol of modernization and elegance by Vogue, she later became a contentious figure within Assad’s oppressive regime.

Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ joins 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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