U.S. Edition
More than a year after Vogue magazine published a gushing profile about the first lady of Syria, the magazine's editor in chief has released a statement condemning the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
A statement from Anna Wintour appeared Monday on Vogue.com.
"In 2010, we set up an interview with the Syrian leader's wife, Asma al-Assad, a Western-educated former banker and a woman with a reputation as a force for reform in the Middle East. Like many at that time, we were hopeful that the Assad regime would be open to a more progressive society. Subsequent to our interview, as the terrible events of the past year and a half unfolded in Syria, it became clear that its priorities and values were completely at odds with those of Vogue. The escalating atrocities in Syria are unconscionable, and we deplore the actions of the Assad regime in the strongest possible terms."
The profile of Asma al-Assad appeared in the print March 2011 version. Vogue apparently removed the story from its website later.
The piece called Asma al-Assad a "rose in the desert" and described her as "the freshest and most magnetic of first ladies." The British-born first lady was portrayed in the story as a progressive and modern woman who fought for the rights of children, the poor and those who are oppressed. Read CNN's story on Asma al-Assad and the Syrian uprising here.
In March, the EU imposed new sanctions on Asma al-Assad.
In April, wives of top U.N. diplomats urged Asma al-Assad to speak out.
The Vogue story came out as the al-Assad regime was cracking down violently on an uprising in the country. The United Nations estimates that more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have died since the crisis erupted in March 2011. Opposition groups give estimates ranging from at least 12,000 to more than 14,000. Human Rights Watch reports that at least 1,176 children have been killed since February 2011.
In April, wives of top U.N. diplomats banded together to publicly call for Asma al-Assad to do something to stop the bloodshed in Syria.
The first lady has not been heard from since the violence began.
Well isn't this just lame.... I'm sure the writers of vogue really give a damn...
Asma is just as glamorous as Frau Goering or Eva Braun!
Stop it you stupid troll.
Okay troll, you had your fun with the 3 of us now just behave yourself.
This unconscionable excuse for a woman promotes fur. I have no respect for her, or her opinions. Ghastly woman.
Just like with Muammar Gaddafi the legend this snakes will shake your hand with one hand and plan your demise with the other. Don't trust these snakes. The Northern Koreans know and you won't see NATO mess with them.
@ kuduson you are not far off the mark. The meddling powers have been arming the mercenaries called rebels just as Russia has been arming the regime. Propaganda, as always holds sway. Sadly without understanding the dynamics we also as always go along with what we are fed.
Let the First Ladies everywhere be held accountable for what the world has turned into during the past decade.
Boy,if Vogue could only foresee the future,they'd be running away from their desert flower wouldn't they,but that's business,didn't magazines interview Hitler before he started his ethnic cleansing and the Holocaust in WWII,that would leave an ouch,wouldn't it,especially thinking he was personable leader,much like Assad...
Anna Wintour thinks Obama is cool so what the hell does she no?
Sounds like a modern Eva Peron!
I've learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you place to create this sort of excellent informative website.
Tremendous things here. I am very happy to see your article. Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
This blog – This Just In – will no longer be updated. Looking for the freshest news from CNN? Go to our ever-popular CNN.com homepage on your desktop or your mobile device, and join the party at @cnnbrk, the world's most-followed account for news.