In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s departure from Syria marked the end of a decades-long family reign. The fall of his regime led to increased scrutiny of the Assad family, particularly focusing on Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, who was previously known as Emma Akhras, a British investment banker from West London. Once praised as a symbol of modernization and dubbed “a rose in the desert” by Vogue, Asma later became a controversial figure deeply entangled in her husband’s oppressive rule.

Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ delves into the evolution of Syria’s former first lady and her involvement in supporting her husband’s regime. To access transcripts of Front Burner, please visit the official CBC website. Stay updated by subscribing to Front Burner on your preferred podcast platform like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.