The unexpected public appearances of Latifa Daroubi, the wife of Ahmad Shar’a, Syria’s interim president, have stirred waves of reactions. She is married to a man with a background of affiliation with al-Qaeda, one of the largest terrorist organizations. However, contrary to expectations and her husband’s history, Daroubi has chosen to step into the public eye in front of the media.
Born in 1984 in Homs, Syria, Latifa holds a Master’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature. Her presence alongside her husband at the Presidential Palace in Damascus drew widespread attention. During this event, Ahmad Shar’a introduced his wife to the guests, dismissing rumors about having multiple wives.
A few days after this appearance, photos surfaced of Latifa Daroubi performing Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, accompanied by her husband. But this wasn’t the end of her public engagements. On Tuesday, February 5, she was seen in Ankara, meeting with Emine Erdoğan, the wife of Turkey’s president. This meeting attracted significant attention, with reports suggesting that the two First Ladies discussed the situation of Syrian women, education, and the future of the country.
Latifa Daroubi’s presence on these diplomatic trips signals her growing role in Syria’s political and social landscape. It also conveys that the Syrian transitional government is striving to highlight the role of women more prominently than before.
Now, the question arises: Is Latifa Daroubi merely appearing as the wife of a president, or is her political role in Syria just beginning?
