Asma al-Assad, the British-born former first lady of Syria, is battling a critical diagnosis of acute leukemia amidst a turbulent period in her family’s life.
This development comes following her previous struggle with breast cancer, for which she declared herself cancer-free in 2019. As news of her illness unfolds, it highlights not only her personal health challenges but also the complex political and social circumstances surrounding her and the Assad family.
A Renewed Health Struggle: The Battle Against Leukemia
In May, Syria’s presidency announced that Asma al-Assad had been diagnosed with acute leukemia, marking another chapter in her battle against life-threatening illnesses.
After her earlier successful treatment for breast cancer, this new diagnosis underscores the aggressive nature of her health issues. Sources indicate that Asma is undergoing intensive treatment, isolated to minimize her risk of infection due to her compromised immune system.
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Her current condition is described as precarious, with a survival chance reportedly at 50/50. Medical experts caring for her in Moscow are working to manage her treatment regimen, and her father, Fawaz Akhras—a respected cardiologist based in London—has reportedly taken an active role in overseeing her care. The emotional toll on her family has been significant, with Akhras described as devastated by the severity of his daughter’s illness.
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Despite her treatment, Asma is reportedly weary of the restrictions imposed during her care in Russia, signaling the immense personal and psychological strain she is enduring.
Political Turmoil and the Assad Family’s Flight
The Assad family’s departure from Syria earlier this month occurred amidst a rebel offensive advancing on Damascus. While Bashar al-Assad chose to remain in the country, Asma and their children fled to Moscow, seeking refuge as the regime faced a turning point.
This relocation to Russia has brought additional challenges. Reports suggest that Asma has grown dissatisfied with her life in exile and has expressed a desire to leave Moscow for further treatment in London. However, geopolitical and legal constraints complicate her wishes.
The British government has taken a firm stance against Asma’s return to the UK, citing her status as a sanctioned individual due to her association with the Assad regime.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy clarified that she is not welcome in the UK, despite holding dual British and Syrian citizenship. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, indicated that it is premature to discuss revoking her citizenship, given the complexities of international law and her health situation.
The Assad Regime’s Legacy and International Repercussions
Asma al-Assad’s health struggles cannot be separated from the broader context of the Assad regime’s downfall. Following years of civil war and human rights abuses, the regime collapsed under the weight of internal rebellion and international pressure. The new Syrian leadership, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marks a significant shift in the country’s governance.
While Asma’s current focus remains on her health, her situation has drawn attention to the Assad family’s lingering presence on the global stage.
Her illness coincides with renewed diplomatic activity in Damascus, where senior British officials recently engaged with representatives of the new regime. These developments reflect the ongoing geopolitical challenges Syria faces, even as it transitions to new leadership.
For Asma al-Assad, the personal and political intersect in deeply challenging ways. As she battles leukemia, she remains a focal point of international scrutiny and debate, emblematic of the Assad family’s complex legacy.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏