The article explores the lavish lifestyle of former Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his wife Asma, who were forced to flee to Russia after their regime was overthrown by rebel forces. NBC News gained access to one of their palaces, revealing opulent rooms with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and expensive furniture. The palace appeared to have been robbed, with some rooms torched and items missing, yet art remained on the walls and decorations were still intact. Another nearby guest palace showed signs of robbery as well. Rooms were set up like a doctor’s surgery and a barber shop, indicating Assad planned to remain in power for a long time. A library with a diverse collection of books, including titles by Michael Moore and anthropologist Sue Black, reflected Assad’s reading interests. The article highlights the stark contrast between the Assad’s life of luxury and the atrocities committed under their regime, such as imprisoning, torturing, and killing thousands of citizens. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now guards the palaces to prevent further thefts. The article suggests that with Assad gone, the true extent of his regime’s brutal actions is coming to light. Richard Engel reported from Damascus and David Hodari from London.
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