Love Lost: Assad’s Wife SeeksDivorce and Escape from Moscow

Voice of day – New Delhi

Asma al-Assad, the wife of Syria’s ousted president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce, citing her dissatisfaction with life in Moscow, where the family has been living in exile. The 49-year-old former First Lady, a British-Syrian national, is eager to return to her hometown of London, where she was born and raised.

A Life of Luxury Lost

Asma’s decision to leave her husband and Moscow comes after the family’s lavish lifestyle was drastically cut short. Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for 24 years, was ousted from power by rebels and forced to seek asylum in Russia. However, his new life in Moscow comes with severe restrictions, including a ban on leaving the city or engaging in political activities. Russian authorities have also frozen his assets, which include a staggering 270 kilograms of gold, USD 2 billion, and 18 apartments in Moscow.¹

A Family in Crisis

The Assad family’s troubles don’t end there. Bashar’s brother, Maher al-Assad, has not been granted asylum in Russia and is currently under house arrest with his family. Maher’s asylum request is still pending review, adding to the family’s uncertainty. Asma’s decision to file for divorce and leave Moscow has likely added to the family’s stress, as she seeks to start a new life in London.

A New Beginning?

Asma’s desire to return to London may be driven by more than just a desire to escape her life in Moscow. The former First Lady has been diagnosed with leukemia and may be seeking better medical treatment in the UK. Her decision to file for divorce and leave her husband behind has sparked speculation about the future of the Assad family and their dwindling influence in the region. As the Assad family’s fortunes continue to decline, one thing is clear: their life of luxury and power is truly a thing of the past