Assad couple (Photo: Shutterstock)
The Syrian Presidential Office announced this morning (Tuesday) that the first lady, Asma al-Assad, has been diagnosed with leukemia (blood cancer) and will undergo a treatment plan, which will prevent her from fulfilling her activities.
As you may remember, Assad's wife contracted breast cancer about six years ago before making a full recovery.
Asma al-Assad is the most powerful woman in Syria, a country that has been embroiled in a bloody civil war for over a decade. The Americans have imposed sanctions on Asma for her participation in the atrocities taking place in the country.
Reactions to her illness have been divided, with regime supporters wishing her a speedy recovery, while opponents viewing her as a sworn enemy.