Asma al-Assad, Syria’s former first lady, made her first public comments via X since the regime’s fall, emphasizing her commitment to silence on political matters. After their escape to Russia, the authenticity of her social media presence has been questioned. Her son Hafez shared insights about their departure from Syria, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the Assad family’s situation in the context of the civil war.
Asma al-Assad, the former first lady of Syria, recently made her first public comments since the Assad regime’s collapse in December, through a series of posts on an account attributed to her on X. She expressed her commitment to not engage in political matters, emphasizing a desire for the safety and prosperity of the Syrian people.
In her tweets, Asma stated, “After a period of silence, it is time to start anew. Hope and change are constant; let’s begin together,” and declared her enduring affection for Syria. Historically, she was active on social media, showcasing humanitarian efforts while the Assad regime faced severe criticism for its violent crackdown on dissent.
Born in London in 1975, Asma holds a degree in computer science and worked in investment banking before relocating to Syria in 2000 and marrying Bashar al-Assad. She has filed for divorce from Bashar following their family’s escape to Russia, a claim denied by the Kremlin. Concerns regarding the authenticity of her and her son Hafez’s social media accounts have been raised, particularly after the suspension of Hafez’s account due to content violations.
Amidst the turmoil, Hafez detailed their last days in Damascus before fleeing to Russia, asserting it was not their original intention to leave. He explained they sought refuge at a military base due to rebel advancements and dangerous conditions. Despite the chaos, Bashar denied they had planned their departure, stating it was necessitated by external pressures and escalation of conflict.
Recent developments include another account appearing under Bashar’s elder son’s name, who claimed all other accounts bearing his name were fake, with a promise that the real story would soon be disclosed through an upcoming podcast. The Assad family’s governance of Syria has been marked by an ironclad grip on power, continuing a legacy since Hafez al-Assad’s rule began in 1971.
Asma al-Assad’s public statements signal a pivot from her previously active political engagement. Amid ongoing scrutiny and speculation regarding the Assad family’s situation and legitimacy of their social media presences, the saga is set to unfold further amidst the backdrop of Syria’s significant political turmoil and humanitarian crises. The family’s past actions and the impact of their rule continue to resonate within a complex and evolving narrative of conflict in Syria.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
