Syria's First Lady Asma Assad Diagnosed With Leukemia: What Do We Know

Asma Assad, the wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been described as "A Rose In The Desert" by the US magazine Vogue. She has been the First Lady of Syria since Bashar al-Assad took office in 2000. On Tuesday, May 21, the President's Office of Syria announced that she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. This news has caused shockwaves around the world, especially considering that she announced being free from breast cancer just a year after her diagnosis in 2019.

Syrian First Lady Asma Assad Diagnosed With Leukemia

The statement of the President's office regarding Asma's  health condition read: "First Lady Asma al-Assad has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia." Continuing with details, the statement read: "After presenting with several symptoms and following a comprehensive series of medical tests and examinations."  Clarifying Assad's role in public affairs, the statement said: "(Assad) will adhere to a specialised treatment protocol that includes stringent infection prevention measures and will temporarily withdraw from all direct engagements as part of the treatment plan."

Myeloid leukemia is an acute and aggressive cancer that affects white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and protecting the immune system. There is no available information about the severity of the cancer in the First Lady of Syria. In 2018, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but in 2019, she announced that she was "completely free" from the disease  after battling it for a year.

Assad's diagnosis follows a series of medical tests prompted by various symptoms. The diagnosis entails a specialized treatment protocol, which will include rigorous medical interventions and strict infection prevention measures. As part of her treatment plan, she will temporarily step back from her public engagements.

Who Is Asma Assad? Syrian First Lady:

Born in 1975 in Britain, Asma Assad was raised in the United Kingdom by her cardiologist father and diplomat mother. Before marrying Bashar al-Assad, the politician and later President of Syria, Asma was an investment banker. Since her marriage, she has remained an active public figure.

Assad identifies herself as a progressive rights advocate and supports the modern ideas of the Assad dynasty. She has advocated for civil and charitable organizations. However, she has remained a highly controversial figure throughout the Syrian conflict. She has been condemned for her Western influence and for supporting her husband's suppression of pro-democracy protests.

She has also founded the Syria Trust for Development, which is a rare NGO to aid development operations and is allowed to work in government-held areas. Assad has two sons and a daughter with Bashar.