Syrian First Lady Asma al-Assad Diagnosed with Leukemia
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s wife, Asma al-Assad, who successfully battled breast cancer in 2019, has now been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of aggressive cancer affecting white blood cells crucial for fighting infections.
Treatment Plan
Asma al-Assad will undergo a specialized treatment protocol for her leukemia. The treatment requires strict social distancing measures to minimize the risk of infection. As part of her treatment plan, she will temporarily withdraw from all direct engagements.
Background
Born in the United Kingdom in 1975, Asma al-Assad, a former investment banker, was known for her advocacy of progressive rights and represented the modern face of the Assad dynasty before the onset of the brutal civil war in Syria in 2011.
Public Image
Asma frequently accompanied her husband on official visits abroad, with their appearances at state-sponsored events often covered in official media. Initially praised as “A Rose in the Desert” by Vogue magazine, her image later faced criticism due to her support for her husband’s actions during the civil war.
Accusations and Sanctions
Asma al-Assad has faced accusations of consolidating power over Syria’s economy, with critics labeling her as a “war profiteer.” In 2020, the US imposed sanctions on her, alleging her involvement in profiting from the ongoing conflict.
Family and Activism
The first lady, who has two sons and a daughter with President Assad, established the Syria Trust for Development charity, which operates in government-controlled areas. Her parents’ backgrounds in medicine and diplomacy have influenced her philanthropic work.
Legal Proceedings
Simultaneously, three high-ranking security officials from Syria are being tried in absentia in France for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes. This trial marks the first instance of French legal action against Assad government officials.
Conclusion
The news of Asma al-Assad’s leukemia diagnosis emerges against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings and the enduring humanitarian crisis resulting from the Syrian civil war, which has claimed countless lives and displaced millions since its outbreak in 2011.
