As Syria’s civil war ravaged the country, Asma al-Assad, the First Lady, lived a life of luxury as millions suffered. Asma al-Assad, 49, was born in London to Syrian parents. She graduated with a degree in computer science and French literature from King’s College London and pursued a career in investment banking at J.P. Morgan.
It was in 2000, while planning to study for an MBA at Harvard, that she met Bashar al-Assad, a family friend. After Bashar became President in July 2000, succeeding his late father Hafez al-Assad, Asma moved to Syria and married him in December of that year. Their union surprised many, given that Bashar’s Alawite sect was different from Asma’s Sunni background.
$7,000 Christian Louboutin crystal-encrusted heels
As First Lady, Asma was initially seen as a symbol of progress. She played an active role in launching charities like Syria Trust for Development and aimed to reform Syria’s image in the international community. Asma was celebrated as one of the Middle East’s most influential Arabs, a figure who could bring a modern touch to the Syrian government. However, her husband’s regime, despite his claims of reform, became notorious for human rights violations, economic disparity, and sectarian violence.
Asma’s popularity took a significant hit during the early years of the Syrian Civil War. The conflict began in 2011, and by 2012, her silence on the crisis became a source of criticism. A year later, emails leaked to The Guardian revealed the lavish lifestyle of the Assads. While the country was gripped by violence, hunger, and displacement, Asma continued to indulge in luxury. From $7,000 Christian Louboutin crystal-encrusted heels to gold jewelry, expensive chandeliers, and paintings, her extravagant spending was exposed as a stark contrast to the suffering of her people.
Asma’s emails also revealed her dismissive attitude towards the war. In one email, she joked to a friend, saying, “As for listening, I am the REAL dictator, he has no choice.” These revelations painted a picture of a First Lady detached from the turmoil outside her mansion walls.
Insatiable spending on luxury items by Asma al-Assad
As the civil war escalated, Asma and her husband amassed a significant fortune. In 2022, the U.S. Department of State estimated the Assad family’s wealth to be between $1-$2 billion. Despite the suffering of over 300,000 dead and 6.7 million displaced Syrians, the Assads lived in opulence. The First Lady’s insatiable spending on luxury items—often shipped from the West—continued, with details emerging in emails about her obsession with clawing back tax on high-end goods.
Asma and Bashar have three children: a son named Hafez, a daughter, and a second son. Although Bashar once mentioned that Asma was pregnant in a 2013 interview, there has been no confirmation of a fourth child.
In 2018, Asma was diagnosed with breast cancer but was declared cancer-free in 2019. However, in May 2024, it was reported that she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, which would prevent her from engaging in public activities.
When the Syrian rebels successfully took control of Damascus, overthrowing Bashar’s regime, both he and Asma reportedly fled the country. According to the *Wall Street Journal*, Asma, along with their children, sought refuge in Russia, where she remains. Bashar also fled under Russian protection, as confirmed by CNN’s sources.
Also Read: Who Is Mohammed Al-Bashir, Syria’s New Prime Minister Taking Charge Amidst Political Transition
