After two decades of marriage, it seems the relationship between former Syrian first lady, Asm al-Assad, and her husband, the deposed president, Bashar al-Assad, is on the verge of ending. Recent reports suggest she has filed for divorce and is seeking permission to leave Moscow to return to London for urgent medical treatment.
According to multiple international media outlets, including The Jerusalem Post and Turkey’s Haber Turk, Asm al-Assad submitted two petitions to a Russian court shortly after the Assad family sought refuge following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. One of the petitions is for divorce, which would allow her to sever ties with her husband, and the other is for permission to move back to the UK for medical assistance, as she suffers from leukemia.
Sources close to the former first lady revealed her growing dissatisfaction with life under Russian protection, coupled with inadequate medical treatment options. Following the rebel forces' capture of Damascus, which forced the Assad family to flee, Asm al-Assad reportedly expressed her need for proper medical care—something she feels she isn't receiving in Moscow.
A significant aspect of her move to divorce is her close familial connections with the UK. Born and raised in London by Syrian parents, she holds dual citizenship. Her mother, Sahar al-Akhras, is said to be assisting her by engaging leading law firms to facilitate her return, adding another layer of familial support to her decision.
This dramatic turn follows Bashar al-Assad's ousting from power after over 20 years of ruling one of the most tyrannical regimes. The Assad family's fall from grace and, now, their apparent personal split could indicate significant changes to the dynamics of political influence and public perception of the Assad family.
Historical perspectives on Asm al-Assad reveal her past as the “Rose of the Desert,” depicted initially by Western media as modern, cultured, and possessing the potential to see reform. Yet, as her husband’s regime committed unspeakable crimes against its own people, her image shifted. Living lavishly amid the suffering of many Syrians became problematic as the brutal violence of the regime became undeniable, now leading to her estrangement from the weight of his injustices.
Despite the acceptance of Bashar al-Assad's asylum by Russian authorities based on humanitarian grounds, he is subjected to severe restrictions; he cannot leave Moscow and has been barred from engaging politically. Reports indicate his wealth and assets seized include approximately 270 kilograms of gold, $2 billion, and numerous apartments situated within the Russian capital.
It remains unclear how the current political and social climate will impact Asm al-Assad's divorce proceedings, especially as it reflects her health struggles and desire for autonomy. Speculation surrounds whether her departure will carve away at the remnant influence of the Assad family, both politically and socially.
Experts suggest this personal rift could foreshadow fracturing power dynamics for the Assads, particularly as they navigate their current precarious position under Russian jurisdiction. While her personal health continues to be of top priority, Asm al-Assad's actions may resonate well beyond her family, impacting how the world views the remnants of the Assad legacy.
The fate of Bashar al-Assad's brother, Maher al-Assad, remains under scrutiny as well, as reports mention he has not been granted asylum and is currently awaiting decisions on his future. His standing could also influence the overall assessment of the Assad family’s capacity to sustain any political relevance.
With Asm al-Assad not only seeking medical care but challenging her recent life as the wife of the man who ruled with such brutality, one can't help but wonder how this will all fold within the broader narrative of Syria's turbulent future.
Time will tell how the situation evolves as Asm al-Assad pushes for her new life, seeking freedom from turmoil and constraints within contemporary Russian life.
