New revelations have surfaced suggesting that Asma al-Assad, the wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, may have cooperated with British intelligence during her time in London.
This information was uncovered by Syrian opposition journalist Nizar Nayouf, with reports from Sky News Arabia shedding light on the matter.
Asma’s Background and Connection to British Intelligence
Asma al-Assad, born in London to Syrian parents, led a successful career in banking before marrying Bashar al-Assad in 2000.
She graduated from King’s College London and worked at JPMorgan Bank, where her career was reportedly aided by British intelligence officer Eliza Bowler.
Bowler was allegedly instrumental in securing her position at the bank, a connection that some believe may have raised suspicions among Syrian intelligence agencies.
Reports suggest that during meetings between Bashar al-Assad, Asma, and her mother at luxury hotels in London, a significant presence of British intelligence officers was observed nearby.
These officers were also present at a gathering hosted by Asma’s father, where discussions reportedly took place about Syrian domestic issues and the state of Syrian-Israeli relations.
However, the authenticity of the documents containing these claims has yet to be verified.
A Noteworthy Family Background
Asma’s family connections run deep in Syria’s political sphere.
Her mother held a senior position at the Syrian Embassy in London, and Asma herself was raised in the UK while holding dual British and Syrian citizenship.
Bashar al-Assad moved to London in the early 1990s to study ophthalmology, where he and Asma formed their relationship.
They married shortly after Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad, passed away in 2000, and Bashar assumed the presidency.
Although Asma had already been working in investment banking for two years at the time of their marriage, she turned down an opportunity to transfer to Harvard Business School, citing that a “dashing Syrian” had swept her off to Libya, where their engagement was sealed.
Health Struggles Amid Political Turmoil
Recently, Asma has faced serious health challenges.
Reports from The Telegraph indicate that she has been battling a relapse of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Medical experts have given her a 50/50 chance of recovery. S
ce May 2024, Asma has been receiving treatment, and she arrived in Moscow for medical care just weeks before the fall of the Assad regime.
A Quick Look at Asma’s Life and Role as First Lady
Asma al-Assad was born on August 11, 1975, and became the First Lady of Syria after marrying Bashar al-Assad.
Prior to their marriage, she was an accomplished student and professional.
Asma earned a degree in computer science and French literature from King’s College London and worked in the investment banking sector.
After marrying Bashar, she resigned from her career to stay in Syria, where she raised their three children.
As First Lady, Asma played a key role in championing social and economic reforms in Syria.
However, these initiatives were largely halted with the onset of the Syrian civil war, and her role became increasingly overshadowed by the political turmoil in the country.