Asma al-Assad, the British-born former First Lady of Syria, finds herself unable to return to the UK for critical medical treatment after her British passport expired in September 2020. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow, Asma is reportedly in dire condition, with doctors giving her a “50-50” chance of survival. While her father, Fawaz Akhras, a well-known London cardiologist, has taken a leave from his practice to care for her in Moscow, questions loom over whether she should be granted access to treatment in the country of her birth.
Once celebrated in the West as a modern and sophisticated First Lady, Asma’s image was meticulously crafted to contrast with the authoritarian rule of her husband, Bashar al-Assad. In a 2011 feature by Vogue, she was hailed as a “rose in the desert,” praised for her stylish demeanor and charitable work.
Asma’s association with Bashar al-Assad places her at the center of a polarizing debate. During his presidency, Bashar allowed the US and UK to use Syria as a site for covert operations, including hosting CIA black sites following the September 11 attacks. These actions, while criticized, highlighted Syria’s cooperation with Western intelligence in the global war on terror.
While Asma’s exact role in supporting her husband’s regime remains debated, critics point to her silence and perceived complicity during the conflict. UK and EU sanctions in 2012 froze her assets and imposed a travel ban. These measures further isolated the Assad family as international pariahs, although her British citizenship was not revoked.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has reportedly refused to consider renewing it, stating that she is “not welcome here.” David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has also publicly opposed her entry into Britain. This decision effectively blocks her access to the advanced healthcare system of her home country.
Her father, Fawaz Akhras, who previously worked at a Harley Street clinic, has relocated to Moscow, where Asma is currently undergoing treatment. His departure reflects the gravity of her illness and the family’s struggle to secure effective care outside the UK.
Critics argue that denying Asma entry to the UK contradicts humanitarian principles. They contend that even individuals with contentious histories deserve access to life-saving medical care, particularly when they hold citizenship. Others, however, maintain that her role in supporting a regime responsible for atrocities disqualifies her from any leniency.
