Bushra al-Assad

Biography

Bushra is reported to have enjoyed a close relationship with her father Hafez al-Assad and reportedly took a large role in leadership during the last years of his life, particularly as Hafez's health started failing during the 1990s. Administrative tasks and even much of the important decision-making was being delegated to Bushra, who set up her own office next to her father's in the Presidential Palace. During the late 1970s, she had accompanied her father on foreign visits and was very active in the decision-making within her father's inner circle, especially in matters relating to economic and foreign affairs, leading to speculation that she was being considered for a leadership role and even possible succession. Despite this, by the 1980s, her younger brother Bassel took on that role instead and after 1994, her second oldest brother, Bashar. In both cases, she mounted her own attempt at fighting for the succession, especially after Bashar's selection, believing him to be incompetent for the role. There has been widespread speculation that had it not been for her gender, she would have been groomed for the presidency.

Bushra attended Damascus University with Buthaina Shaaban, who became a member of the Syrian Cabinet. Despite family opposition, Bushra married Shawkat in 1995.

Since the death of her brother Bassel al-Assad in 1994, Bushra was credited with increasing influence in Syria. Bushra was also reported to have worked for her late husband to gain acceptance and recognition. Shawkat assumed key security roles within intelligence.

It was reported that Bushra disapproved of Asma al-Assad taking such a public role.

Bushra moved to the United Arab Emirates in September 2012 following her husband's death in a bomb blast. Although rebels claimed responsibility, there was some suspicion the regime of her brother may have played a role. Bushra is living in Dubai with her five children.

In 2019, it was reported that Bushra's daughter, Anisa, was studying spatial design at the University of the Arts London, despite being a member of a family subject to international sanctions. Later, the National Crime Agency seized the remaining £25,000 in her bank account.

Sources

References

References

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13. (18 April 2019). "Assad family cash frozen after dictator's niece found living in London".
14. (23 May 2019). "The UK Impounds $30,000 of Assad's Niece".