Syria: Assad’s PR Push Using Beautiful Wife

Guest post by Melissa Clouther of MelissaBlogs.com. On Twitter as @MelissaTweets.

Do you ever find it strange how normal evil folks can look? So normal, you can see them on Instagram.

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Asma Assad Star of Syrian President’s Instagram Account (ABC News)

Via Yahoo:

Asma has long captivated Syria’s and the world’s attention as the fashionable, educated first lady of a Syria. Born in Syria to a surgeon, she spent much of her life in England known as “Emma” and graduated from King’s College in London. She even worked briefly at Deutsche Bank before becoming engaged to Assad and moving to Syria.

As first lady of Syria, Asma Assad was compared to Princess Diana of Britain for her charitable and humanitiarian work, and profiled in fashion magazines including Vogue for her style.

When Syria descended into civil war two years ago, Asma temporarily stayed out of the public eye, leading spectators to wonder whether she was against her husband’s crackdown on rebels. She soon appeared by his side smiling at a rally, however, and has been part of his public relations campaign since.

Now, Asma can be seen smiling with children and ladling out food to hungry Syrians in the photos posted to the Instagram account. Still dressed fashionably and wearing full-makeup, Asma presents a stark contrast to other images leaking out of Syria as Assad’s forces and rebel forces battle viciously for control of cities.

In one photo, Asma is seen wearing a Jawbone UP! band, which measures fitness levels, while she spoons food into a a bowl at a soup kitchen.

Fashionable. Educated. Gassing civilians (ostensibly).

Just another day in the life of a despot’s wife on Instagram.

And then, of course, there’s this:

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And this:

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Sophisticated! And the press wanted you to know how urbane and charming! Until now.

 

Thanks for sharing!