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Asma al-Assad is reportedly facing a grave health crisis due to leukaemia, as sources reveal that her doctors have given her a daunting “50/50” chance of survival. She has been isolated in medical care to mitigate the risk of infections, restricting her from being in the same room with anyone.
The British-born spouse of the former Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, is currently receiving care in Moscow, where her father, Fawaz Akhras, a respected cardiologist, has been a significant support. Sources close to the family have reported his extreme sadness regarding her condition.
The Assads sought refuge in Moscow after losing power in Syria following a prolonged and devastating civil conflict that lasted over a decade.
In May, the presidency of Syria announced her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer affecting both the bone marrow and blood cells. In the past, she had successfully undergone treatment for breast cancer, declaring herself “completely” cancer-free in August 2019 after rigorous therapy.
There are concerns that her leukaemia may have returned following a period of remission. A source familiar with the situation stated, “Asma is dying,” highlighting the severity of her illness and the precautions taken due to her compromised immune system.
Insiders suggest a particularly aggressive nature of her condition upon its return, noting she has been in a precarious state: “She has been 50/50 in the last few weeks,” one source claimed.
The 49-year-old dual Syrian-British citizen is believed to have traveled to Moscow for medical treatment before the Russian government successfully facilitated her husband’s exit as rebels advanced through Syria.
Dr. Akhras has been providing her care for much of the last six months in both the United Arab Emirates and Russia. Reports indicate she is becoming increasingly frustrated with the restrictions in Moscow and is reportedly considering treatment in London as well as contemplating a divorce.
While speculation regarding her marital status continues, the Kremlin has publicly denied any divorce intentions from her side.
In the UK, political figures such as Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, have called it an “affront” if Asma were to return to a life of luxury in the UK, given her husband’s regime’s actions over the years.
The Telegraph has reported that the source of the divorce rumors appears to be Turkish journalists influenced by Russian diplomats.
Despite Russia’s military support for Assad since 2015, analysts have observed a cooling of relations between President Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad recently, mainly due to Assad’s reluctance to pursue necessary reforms.
This tension is compounded by the ongoing embarrassment for Putin as Assad’s authority falters despite Russian backing, leading to potential losses of strategic assets like the port of Tartus in Syria.
Asma al-Assad’s upbringing in Acton, West London, is a stark contrast to her current life. Raised in a family where education was prioritized, her father, alongside her mother Sahar and her two doctor brothers, provided a supportive environment. She pursued studies in computer science at King’s College London, moving on to a career in investment banking prior to her relationship with Bashar al-Assad in 1992.
Although initially not in line to become president, Bashar assumed power following the untimely death of his older brother, eventually leading to a regime characterized by harsh repression of dissent since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
The UK Government continues to emphasize that Asma al-Assad and her family are not welcome in the UK, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy stating unequivocally that they will take actions to prevent any member of the Assad family from finding sanctuary there.
The couple has three children: Hafez, Zein, and Karim, with their son Hafez already in Moscow continuing his education. Recently, he defended his dissertation in mathematics, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those from his homeland, underscoring the complicated legacy of the Assad family amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Syria.
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www.yahoo.com