In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s departure from Syria marked the end of a long-standing family rule in the country. The fall of his administration led to increased scrutiny of the Assad family, particularly focusing on Asma al-Assad, Bashar’s wife, who was formerly known as Emma Akhras, a British investment banker from West London. Once praised by Vogue as a symbol of modernization and beauty in a harsh landscape, Asma became a controversial figure within Assad’s oppressive regime.
Chloe Hadjimatheou, The Observer’s narrative editor and host of the podcast ‘We Call Her Emma,’ talks with guest host Jason Markusoff about the evolution of Syria’s ex-first lady and her involvement in her husband’s authoritarian rule. To access transcripts of Front Burner, visit: [CBC Radio Front Burner Transcripts](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts).
Stay updated by subscribing to Front Burner on your preferred podcast platform:
– [Listen on Apple Podcasts](https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/front-burner/id1439621628?mt=2)
– [Listen on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1qL9keKtruUmZ1hPkhHZL1)
– [Listen on YouTube](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeyJPHbRnGaaAgINkiIQmNjTVRMB8RGI9&si=g4Vxmp8msAKhGPPh)