The thing is, after 24 years spent as Syria’s first lady, she was much more than just the head of state’s wife. Asma Assad was considered the center of power in the presidential palace.
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“No decision could be made by the president if she did not agree with it, because he consulted her on every issue,” a former insider of the regime told The Observer.
The 50-year-old Asma led the so-called Economic Council and controlled a large part of the economy. It is claimed that businessmen were forced to transfer their assets to Assad’s confidants. Those who resisted were persecuted under tax evasion laws, had their accounts frozen, or their companies closed.
According to The Observer, V. Putin was disappointed with B. al Assad. Although Russia helped the Syrian regime, the leader failed to end the civil war or politically stabilize the country. The Kremlin leader considered B. al Assad a weak leader who constantly needed help.
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According to a source close to the regime, B. al Assad was even offered to place his wife on the throne. However, the president simply laughed off this proposal.
After the fall of the Syrian regime, the Assad couple fled to Russia. Although Asma’s husband practically cannot leave the country, the former dictator’s wife continues to travel around the world. It is claimed that she regularly visits Dubai – very recently Asma stayed at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel. Meanwhile, she is banned from entering her native Great Britain and the entire EU.
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