In this photo you can see the entire Assad family. a powerful clan that ruled Syria for over 50 years. At the bottom is the Syrian dictator Hafiz al-Assad who held power for nearly three decades and his wife Anisa Machluf the mother of their five children. above them stand their four sons and their only daughter. Bashar al-assad stands out with his tall stature. next to him are his brothers Maher, Basil and Majed. on the far right is their older sister Bushra. For 53 years this family built a cult around themselves. statues, portraits and posters of the Assads were everywhere in Syria. They looked Stern authoritative and Invincible. they wanted people to see them as near deities who deserved unquestioning loyalty. Anyone who dared to oppose them faced brutal consequences. The Assads had no regard for the lives of ordinary Syrians. To stay in power they were willing to destroy their own population by the hundreds of thousands. but behind the mask of invincibility they were ordinary people with their own weaknesses. who are the Assads really. Why did Hafiz al-assad consider divorcing his wife and why did their only daughter Bushra hate her brother Bashar so much that she fled Syria. Is it true that Bashar al-Assad's wife Asma wants to divorce him and move to London. Where have all the members of this family now scattered all over the world found Refuge today. watch until the end to find out the answers to all Questions.
On December 8th 2024 Bashar al-Assad's regime fell after 24 years of rule, marking the end of an era in Syria. Facing a swift offensive by anti-regime forces that swept across the country Assad fled to Russia where his longtime Ally Vladimir Putin granted him political Asylum. His departure came just one day after Damascus. The heart of his regime fell to Rebel forces. Assad later stated he had never considered stepping down or seeking Refuge, insisting that his sole Focus was continuing the fight. He stated that he remained in Damascus carrying out his duties until Rebel forces entered the city. Only then in coordination with Russian forces did he move to Moscow's base in the coastal province of Latakia before his final flight to Russia. however many doubt Assad's version of events. It is difficult to believe he had no plans to flee, especially given that his wife and three children had left for Russia sometime earlier. reports suggest that Assad had been preparing a safe haven in Russia for years. He allegedly purchased at least 20 luxury apartments in Moscow's prestigious Moscow City complex, worth an estimated $40 million. Additionally back in 2019 he reportedly transferred $250 million in cash to Russia using several airplanes. Despite these Revelations Assad continues to claim he never intended to abandon Syria. Yet his actions tell a different story. He left behind his loyal support and close relatives by fleeing the country. Many of them suffered tragic Fates with some killed as Rebel forces took control of the capital. Assad, his wife and their three children now live in luxury in Russia, sustained by the enormous wealth he siphoned from Syria over the years.
However, life in exile for the Assad family is rumored to be far from ideal. The couple appears to have struggled to endure their hardships together. Recently the Turkish newspaper Haber Turk reported that Asma al-assad has filed for divorce in Moscow and plans to move to London with her parents. Asma who is known to hold dual citizenship British and Syrian also suffers from leukemia. and it is believed that she could receive better Medical Care in the west. The publication further claimed that Bashar al-Assad's Assets in Moscow have been frozen. and that Asma would need special permission to leave Russia. However, Kremlin Representatives have denied all these allegations. Indeed it is difficult to trust information from the Turkish newspaper. Especially given past statements from British authorities declaring Asma al-assad a Persona non-grata in the UK. Moreover Asma is subject to International sanctions with all her assets in Britain Frozen. She also faces potential criminal charges due to suspected involvement in the war crimes of the Assad regime.
Even if asthma truly wishes to move to London it seems highly unlikely that she would be able to do so. Therefore the reliability of Haber Turk's claims remains questionable at best. Now we know where Bashar al-Assad, his wife and children are. but what happened to the other members of this clan that ruled Syria for more than half a century. Let's first recall how the Assads came to power and where it all Began.
As you know al-Assad inherited power from his father Hafiz al-assad. The Assad Clan Rose to power in 1971 when Hafiz became the president of Syria. By then Hafiz had already been married to Anisa Machluf for many years. Their relationship had weathered numerous challenges. and some believe Anisa played a key role in Hafiz's rise to power. She was not just his wife but also an influential figure in his life and the state. Anisa significantly impacted her husband and children. but she preferred to stay out of the public eye. Rarely appearing or drawing attention. while Hafiz came from a modest rural background Anisa belonged to one of Syria's most prominent and influential families.
Their marriage occurred when Hafiz was still a rising officer in the Syrian Arab Air Force. Many believe their Union was more about mutual benefits than love. Hafiz gained status and connections through Anisa's family which supported his Ambitions, while Anisa secured a powerful and determined husband. however those who knew the couple noted a lack of strong emotional connection between them. According to accounts from the influential class family Hafiz was not particularly fond of Anisa's reserved and serious personality. Some sources even claim he considered divorcing her or taking a second wife. This idea was driven partly by his belief that a more charismatic and outgoing partner could better support his role on the world stage. One woman who reportedly captured Hafiz's attention was Lamia Tlass, the wife of Mustafa Tlass, Hafiz's close Ally and longtime defense minister. Unlike Anisa, Lamia was sociable and Charming, qualities Hafiz found appealing. however any thoughts of divorce or taking a second wife remained just that thoughts. Ultimately Hafiz stayed with Anisa, perhaps valuing the stability and loyalty she brought to his life.
Despite her quiet nature Anisa held considerable influence behind the scenes shaping the Assad family and maintaining a strong presence in their private lives. While their marriage may not have been a storybook romance it was a partnership that played a crucial role in Hafiz's Journey to becoming one of the most powerful leaders in the Middle East. for Anisa marrying Hafiz elevated her family's status and wealth immensely. The Machluf family, already influential in Syria, gained unprecedented power under Hafiz's rule. Her relatives were awarded lucrative contracts in Key Banking oil and Telecommunications sectors. By 2012 her nephew Rami Machluf was considered the wealthiest man in Syria with an estimated net worth of $5 Billion.
despite their relationship's lack of warmth Anisa fulfilled her role as a wife and mother giving birth to five children. Her firstborn was a daughter Bushra who entered the world in 1960.
Bushra grew up to be a strong willed and intelligent woman, later becoming one of the most prominent figures in the family. Their eldest son Basil al-assad was regarded as Hafiz's Heir and a rising star in Syrian politics. Next came Bashar al-Assad, now Infamous as the man who ruled Syria for 24 years before being ousted in disgrace. Hafiz and Anisa also had two younger Sons. Majd, their quiet and reserved child led a largely private life until his early death. The youngest Maher grew up to be a key player in the Assad regime. known for his ruthless reputation and role in maintaining the family's grip on power.
Through her marriage Anisa cemented the legacy of the Assad Machluf Alliance and shaped her children's lives. each played a critical role in the family's dominance over Syria for more than five decades. The family Dynamics in the Assad household were far from typical. As revealed in accounts shared by Basel Al-Assad. he described their father Hafiz as a distant figure often too consumed by his responsibilities as Syria's leader to spend time with his children. Although Hafiz was present at home days could pass without him exchanging a single word with his family. meals together were a rarity. Basel recalled that they never had breakfast or dinner as a family and shared lunches only once or twice, usually when it was tied to State matters. Even their summer trips to Latakia which were meant to be a time for family bonding were dominated by Hafiz's work. while the family stayed nearby he would remain in his office barely interacting with them. This Detachment highlighted the immense demands of his role as president and the sacrifices the family made for his political Ambitions.
According to Syrian writer Iman Abdel who attended college with Bashar al-assad there was a noticeable emotional distance between Bashar and his father Hafiz al-assad. This Gap in their relationship meant that Anisa Machluf, Bashar's mother, took on a much larger role within the family. Abdel no described her as the mother, father figure and mentor to her children, children guiding them and shaping their development. Her influence was particularly significant in Bashar's life as she provided the emotional support and direction that his father's distant and authoritarian nature often lacked.
For many years Syria was ruled by the vast and Powerful Assad family Clan. Each family member held key positions in the government overseeing vital sectors of the country. This close network of relatives ensured that power remained firm within the Assad Circle leaving little room for Outsiders to challenge their Authority. Syria held formal presidential elections but it was no secret that no opponent could ever truly compete with the dictator. Election results were manipulated to consistently give Hafiz al-assad over 90% of the vote creating the illusion of overwhelming public support. like any dictator Hafiz had no intention of relinquishing power to anyone outside his family. His plan was for one of his children to succeed him as president, ensuring that Syria remained under Assad's control for Generations. There were rumors that Hafiz's favorite child was his only daughter Bushra. She stood out among all the Assad children for her intelligence and sharp business Acumen. Hafiz and his wife Anisa were said to wish that Bushra could inherit the leadership of Syria. However as a deeply patriarchal Muslim country Syria was not ready to accept a woman as its head of state. While women in the Assad family played influential roles in shaping the regime they remained in the shadow of their husbands and brothers. their contributions were significant but unacknowledged publicly reflecting the societal Norms they operated within.
With Bushra's leadership out of the question hafiz chose his eldest son Basel to be his successor. Basel was groomed to take over the presidency for years receiving training and responsibilities to prepare him for the role. However tragedy struck in 1994 when Basel died in a car accident. allegedly the result of an unfortunate mishap. If you're interested in learning more about Basel's life I've covered his story in detail in one of my previous videos. There you'll also find fascinating insights into his relationships with the children of King Hussein of Jordan particularly his connection with Princess Haya.
After the sudden death of his older brother Basel in 1994 Bashar al-Assad's life took a dramatic turn. Bashar, who had been living a quiet life in England while training as an ophthalmologist, was called back to Syria and informed that he would take Basel's place as the family's chosen successor. This unexpected responsibility shocked Bashar who had little interest in politics or leadership. It is well known that Anisa Machluf had a particular fondness for her son Maher al-assad. She reportedly believed that Maher with his sharp mind and strong personality was better suited to take over as the head of the Assad family and Lead Syria after Hafiz's death. however Hafiz had already decided during his lifetime that power would be passed to Bashar the more publicly palatable of his sons. Despite her personal preferences Anisa did not challenge her husband's wishes, understanding the importance of maintaining Unity within the family and ensuring the continuation of their rule.
As history shows every member of the Assad Clan played a specific role in the family's governance of Syria. Each contributed to the regime's grip on power with one notable exception, The youngest child Majed al-assad. Unlike his siblings Majed did not actively participate in politics or hold a significant position in the government. Majed al-assad was known to have faced emotional or mental challenges throughout his life. which likely influenced his limited involvement in state affairs. Despite these difficulties he managed to carve out a path for himself. becoming an electrical engineer. Unlike his siblings Majed led a quieter and more private life, rarely appearing in the public eye or taking on responsibilities within the family's power structure. Majed married Ru'a Ayyoub . but the couple did not have children. His life was marked by struggles with a long-term illness which eventually led to his untimely death in 2009.
In 2000 Hafiz al-Assad, the patriarch of the Assad family died after ruling Syria for 30 years. With his father gone Bashar was swiftly installed as the new president. Many Syrians were hopeful that Bashar with his Western education and seemingly mild demeanor might bring reform and a softer approach to governance. His wife Asma, a british-born and raised woman with a career in finance further fueled these expectations of modernization and change. However, Bashar's path as a leader was heavily influenced by his mother Anisa Machluf, who many believed was the most ruthless member of the family after her husband.
Even after Hafiz's death Anisa's influence over her son remained strong. She was determined to ensure that Bashar upheld the family's Legacy of authoritarian Rule and resisted any pressure to loosen their grip on power. According to Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense, Bashar's relationship with his mother was pivotal during key moments of his presidency. in 2011 as the Arab Spring protests spread across Syria Bashar faced a critical decision. offer the reforms his people demanded or respond with brutal suppression. Panetta revealed that Anisa played a central role in shaping Bashar's response. Anisa known for her Hardline stance strongly opposed any softening of the regime's approach. Despite her husband's death she remained a formidable Force within the family. Panetta recounted that at one point it seemed Bashar might not have the resolve to fight for power. but Anisa exerted immense pressure on her son invoking the memory of his father and insisting that he had a duty to continue the Assad family's rule. Her strategy of leveraging Hafiz's Legacy proved effective. Bashar ultimately followed in his Father's Footsteps, cracking down on descent with Relentless brutality. This decision marked the beginning of a bloody conflict that would define his Rule and devastate Syria for years to come. Anisa's Iron Will and influence ensured that the Assad Dynasty's grip on power would not be easily loosened even as the country descended into chaos.
during Bashar al-assad's presidency his mother Anisa Machluf remained a key adviser meanwhile Bashar's younger brother Mahar al-assad became his most trusted Ally and the head of the Syrian military. Mahar was often considered the second most powerful man in Syria, effectively serving as Bashar's right-hand man in governance and security matters. known for his ruthless and uncompromising nature Mahar played a central role in maintaining the Assad regime's grip on power. He was a hardliner who reportedly supported severe crackdowns including the suppression of the Damascus spring. A brief period of political openness in the early 2000s. Maher's Hardline stance became even more evident as the Syrian Revolution erupted. He was accused of directing brutal operations against opposition forces and civilians alike.
Mah's reputation extended Beyond his military role. Those who knew him described him as Stern and merciless, a man feared even within his own Circle he was also accused of corruption and heading illegal operations including the production and trafficking of banned substances. These activities allegedly generated billions of dollars in profits for the Assad regime further entrenching their power and wealth. Despite the chaos that unfolded during the Syrian Revolution Maher Remained in the country steadfastly supporting his brother. He was seen as a pillar of the regime commanding loyalty within the military and coordinating efforts to suppress the uprising. However when Rebel forces entered Damascus Bashar decided to flee to Russia leaving Maher behind to face the advancing opposition forces alone. Maher's escape from Damascus was dramatic. He managed to evade capture using underground tunnels connected to his luxurious mansion. From there he boarded a helicopter and fled to a neighboring country believed to be Iraq. After regrouping and securing his safety Maher eventually returned to Russia reuniting with his brother Bashar. This flight marked the end of mahar's direct involvement in the Syrian conflict but his story remains a testament to the loyalty and complexity within the Assad family's power Dynamics.
As you can see only three members of the Assad Clan remain alive today. Bashar al-Assad and his brother Maher both fled to Russia and their elder sister Bushra. Anisa Machluf, the mother of Bashar al-assad died in Damascus in 2016 at the age of 85. She passed away without witnessing the fall of the brutal regime she had helped to control for so many years. but what became Bushra, the once influential figure in Syria. As you may recall Bushra played a significant role in the Assad family and was deeply loved and admired by her parents. Hafiz and Anisa were so proud of her intelligence and abilities that they even dreamed of her becoming president. Bushra was the only child in the family who formed a close relationship with her father HafiZ al-Assad. Their bond was uniquely built on mutual respect and trust. During Hafiz's presidency Bushra had her own office near his, handling various administrative tasks and offering Counsel on important matters. Her influence on her father was undeniable. and she often accompanied him on International trips, playing a key role in supporting his leadership. One of the most notable examples of her influence came in 1984. during a tense period for the Assad family. Following her uncle Rifaat al-assad's failed coup attempt there were plans to imprison him as punishment for his betrayal. However Bushra intervened convincing her father that such a move would tarnish the family's reputation. Her arguments were persuasive enough that Hafiz ultimately spared his brother choosing to Exile him instead of jailing him. In 1995 Bushra married military officer Asif Schaukat, a man 10 years or older. This Union caused significant tension within the Assad family. Schaukat's background was a source of disapproval. He had been previously married to a woman with a questionable reputation and had several children from that marriage. The Assads, a family known for emphasizing Prestige and Public Image deemed Schaukat an unsuitable match for Bushra. Bushra, known for her strong willed and independent nature, ignored her family's objections and pursued the marriage. Over time Schaukat secured key roles in Syria's military and security apparatus becoming a powerful figure in his own right. After HafiZ al-assad died in 2000 the Dynamics within the Assad family grew increasingly strained. Hafiz had always been a staunch supporter of Bushra encouraging her Ambitions and valuing her advice. tensions between Bushra and her brothers particularly Bashar escalated without his protection. Bushra harbored doubts about bashar's ability to lead the country, believing he lacked the strength and political Acumen required for the presidency. Her disapproval extended to Bashar's wife Asma whose growing public presence and frequent appearances before journalists frustrated Bushra. She felt that Asma's active role in public life was inappropriate and tried to dissuade her from continuing in this direction. The conflict between Bushra and Asma eventually erupted into a serious dispute creating a lasting Rift between the two women. As a result Bashar and Asma United as a loving and supportive couple and sought to push Bushra further into the background. With Bashar consolidating power as president and Asma establishing herself as a prominent figure in the regime, Bushra found herself increasingly sidelined within the Assad family. This Family Feud underscored the Deep fractures within the Assad Clan highlighting the challenges of balancing personal rivalries and ambitions in the pursuit of maintaining their grip on Syria's Leadership.
The climax of Bushra al-Assad's tumultuous life came with the tragic death of her husband Asif Shaukat in 2012. on July 18th Shaukat along with three other high-ranking Syrian government officials were killed in a bomb attack in Damascus. The attack allegedly organized by the Free Syrian Army, a coalition of opposition Rebel groups, dealt a devastating blow to both the Assad regime and Bushra personally. Asif's death left Bushra heartbroken. He was her beloved husband and the father of their five children. adding to her pain, neither Bashar nor Mahar al-assad attended Asif's funeral or paid their respects and a mission that further strained the already fragile relationships within the Assad family. The absence of her brothers at this critical moment likely deepened bushra's resentment toward them.
following her husband's assassination Bushra made a dramatic decision to leave Syria. She moved to Dubai with her children where she was granted Asylum. Her departure marked a clear break from the Assad regime leading many to speculate that she no longer supported her brother bashar's rule and sought to distance herself from the ongoing conflict. Bushra fled Syria out of concern for her safety and that of her children. sources report Rising tensions within the Alawite sect to which the Assad family belongs. disputes arose after her late husband Asif shaukat was accused of involvement in civilian killings leading some Alawites to hold her family accountable. fearing retaliation Bushra moved to the United Arab Emirates. however she maintained ties to the Assad regime, which kept her and her children under International sanctions.
In 2019 the international scrutiny on the Assad family extended to Bushra's daughter Ana who studied spatial design at the University of the Arts London. despite being part of a family heavily sanctioned by the International Community Ana enrolled in a prestigious institution abroad. However her connection to the regime did not go unnoticed. The United Kingdom's National Crime agency seized the remaining 25,000 in her bank account, a stark reminder of the global efforts to hold the Assad family accountable for their actions. Bushra's life is a tale of ambition, tragedy and estrangement. Her move to Dubai symbolizes a personal escape from the chaos of her family's Rule and a deliberate attempt to carve out a different future for herself and her children. away from the shadows of her brothers and the legacy of the Assad Dynasty.
Being related to the Assad family does not automatically make someone a criminal. In fact some members of the extended family have opposed Bashar al-Assad's regime from the very beginning and chose to distance themselves from his oppressive rule. One outspoken critic is Majd Jadaan, a businesswoman in her 50s from Syria's Sunni upper middle class. Her sister Manal is married to Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, placing her close to the heart of the regime. However, Majd has always been a staunch opponent of Bashar and his leadership. At one Point she reportedly dared to challenge Bashar directly. an act of defiance that resulted in him threatening her with a knife. For years now Majd has lived in Exile in London where she continues to speak out against the regime. Another notable opponent of Bashar al-assad is his cousin Ribal al-assad. a political activist Ribal has dedicated his life to opposing the regime and advocating for Democratic reforms in Syria. like Majd, Ribal understood the true nature of bashar's rule early on and chose to sever ties with the family's oppressive Legacy.
Those who distanced themselves from the Assad regime and its crimes often found safety and success abroad. however the fate of those who remained loyal to Bashar has been far less fortunate. Many of his closest supporters perished during the fall of Damascus, abandoned by the leader they had pledged to serve. as Rebel forces closed in on the city Bashar fled to Russia leaving his allies to face the Wrath of the opposition alone. The story of the Assad Clan is a grim reminder of how loyalty to a ruthless regime can lead to devastating consequences. While Bashar now lives in luxury with his family in Russia the future remains uncertain. This extravagant lifestyle funded by years of corruption and oppression may not last forever. write in the comments what you think about this story give it a like And subscribe to the channel thank you for watching.