Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is seeking a divorce and wishes to leave Russia. Peskov stated that these claims do not reflect reality, countering allegations that the couple is restricted from leaving Moscow and that their assets have been frozen. Turkish media had reported that Asma was unhappy with her life in exile and sought to relocate to the UK with their children. Peskov clarified that the couple fled to Russia and have been granted residency there following the uprising in Syria. Asma, a British-Syrian citizen, moved to Syria in 2000 to marry Bashar al-Assad.Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has been marked by severe human rights violations since he assumed power in 2000, with reports from organizations like Amnesty International detailing widespread atrocities against civilians, including torture and extrajudicial killings. Amidst this turmoil, Asma al-Assad, the First Lady, has played a important and active role, managing economic funds and maintaining connections with influential international circles, according to Middle East expert Hilde Henriksen Waage. The couple, who met in London while Bashar was studying to become an ophthalmologist, married in secret shortly after he succeeded his father as president, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and influence within the Assad regime.The U.S. goverment has intensified its sanctions against the Assad regime in Syria, targeting First Lady Asma al-Assad and her family, as part of ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in the country’s protracted conflict. These sanctions, announced in December 2020, aim to disrupt the financial networks that support the Assad family’s estimated wealth, which could be as high as $12 billion, according to U.S. state Department reports. Asma al-Assad, frequently enough referred to as the “Rose of the Desert,” has been criticized for her role in the regime’s economic strategies, which allegedly involve hidden assets across various global accounts and shell companies. The sanctions reflect a broader strategy to undermine the financial foundations of the Assad regime amidst ongoing humanitarian crises in Syria [1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2][3[3[3[3].
Q&A Discussion Between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert Hilde Henriksen Waage
Editor: Good day, Hilde. The Kremlin recently dismissed rumors regarding Asma al-Assad potentially seeking a divorce from her husband, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. What do you think motivated these rumors, and why has the Kremlin chosen to respond so strongly?
Waage: Thank you for having me. The rumors likely stem from the ongoing unrest and dissatisfaction surrounding the Assad regime, particularly in the context of the protracted conflict in Syria. Asma al-Assad’s role, along with her British background, has made her a focal point of scrutiny. The Kremlin’s strong denial serves to protect the image of the Assad family while also asserting their stability amid these tumultuous times. Maintaining public support for the regime is crucial as both domestic and international criticisms escalate.
Editor: given Asma al-Assad’s British citizenship and her troubled past with Western nations, could there be legitimacy to claims that she wishes to relocate to the UK?
Waage: There are complexities to consider. Asma al-Assad is indeed a British citizen, but the geopolitical environment makes any return to the UK challenging. Western sanctions against her and the regime have elaborate her status, as the UK government has made it clear that members of the Assad family are not welcome. Moreover, relocating would mean abandoning her position of influence within the Assad regime, which she has maintained despite the turmoil.
Editor: You mentioned her role of influence. Asma has been described as managing important economic funds during her husband’s presidency. How notable is her contribution to the regime, and why is she often referred to as the “Rose of the Desert”?
Waage: Asma al-Assad has played a pivotal role in the economic and social strategies of the Assad regime. Her ability to connect with influential figures and manage wealth is indicative of her status within Syria and beyond. The title “Rose of the Desert” was initially meant to portray her as a modern, cultured figure in a troubled region, but over time, it has become more ironic given the ongoing humanitarian crises and the regime’s brutal actions. Her contributions have, unfortunately, frequently enough aligned with the regime’s oppressive measures.
editor: the U.S. government has intensified sanctions against the Assad regime,directly targeting Asma.What implications do these sanctions have for the regime’s financial operations?
Waage: The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the financial underpinnings of the Assad family’s wealth, which has been estimated at up to $12 billion. By targeting Asma al-Assad and her immediate family, the U.S. aims to disrupt their economic networks, which reportedly include hidden assets and offshore accounts. These measures are intended not just to penalize the individuals involved but also to signal to those who support the regime that complicity comes with significant risks.
Editor: With all these dynamics at play, what practical advice would you offer readers interested in understanding the ongoing situation in Syria and the role of figures like asma al-Assad?
Waage: It’s essential for readers to look beyond the sensational headlines. Monitoring credible news sources for updates regarding the Assad regime’s actions and the international community’s responses is crucial. Understanding the historical context of the conflict and the key figures involved can provide deeper insights into current events. Moreover, noting the humanitarian ramifications of political decisions is vital, as they directly impact millions of Syrians still suffering from the conflict’s consequences.
Editor: Thank you, Hilde, for sharing your insights on this complex scenario. Your expertise helps shed light on the intricate dynamics of power, influence, and outcome within the Assad regime.
Waage: Thank you for having me. It’s critically important to keep the conversation going about such pivotal global issues.