Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s wife, Asma, has been diagnosed with leukemia after overcoming breast cancer in 2019. The president’s office revealed that she has acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer affecting white blood cells. Asma will undergo specialized treatment requiring social distancing to reduce infection risks, leading her to step back from her public engagements temporarily.
Asma, a British-born former investment banker, portrayed herself as a progressive advocate before the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Despite initial praise, she faced criticism for supporting her husband’s actions against pro-democracy protests. Known for founding the Syria Trust for Development charity, Asma has been accused of using her position for economic gain, leading to US sanctions against her.
With two sons and a daughter with Assad, Asma’s cancer diagnosis emerges as top security officers face trial in Paris for alleged complicity in war crimes. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has caused immense devastation, claiming over half a million lives and displacing millions.
© 2024 AFP