Asma al-Assad flees to Russia as Syria's Assad regime collapses

Asma al-Assad, once celebrated as Syria's "Princess Diana," has seen her reputation decline sharply. Following a recent rebel advance that led to the fall of the Assad regime, she and her family fled to Russia. Bashar al-Assad's departure marks the end of a 50-year rule by the family. Asma, who was once viewed as a symbol of modernity, is now criticized for her support of her husband's brutal regime during the ongoing civil war. The conflict, which began in 2011, has resulted in over 580,000 deaths and displaced more than 13 million Syrians. Asma's past as an investment banker and her controversial media portrayals have contributed to her complex legacy.