Where is Austin Tice?: Those who know
Summary
This episode of "Where is Austin Tice?" investigates the post-Assad power vacuum in Syria, focusing on the flight of key regime figures like Bassam al-Hassan to Lebanon. The hosts uncover that al-Hassan, who oversaw Austin’s detention, is being protected by US and Lebanese authorities for his intelligence value, preventing his return to Syria for trial. The investigation also follows Austin’s mother, Deborah Tice, as she attempts to meet al-Hassan in Beirut, and concludes with a rare interview with Ramis Salha, an NDF member who claims he was tortured to suppress the truth about Austin’s fate.
Topics discussed
Introduction and the fall of the Assad regime
Syrian soldiers fleeing and the search for Bassam al-Hassan
Tensions in Latakia and the Alawite community
Meeting Fadi Saka, a former NDF militia leader
Fadi's account of Austin Tice and the missing persons crisis
Episode credits and sponsor announcements
Interview with Bassam al-Hassan's long-time assistant
Discrepancies in Austin's detention timeline and Hezbollah claims
Bassam's escape from Syria and flight to the coast
Suspicious text message and threats to the journalists
Leads on Bassam's location in Iran and Lebanon
Syrian businessman reveals Bassam's protection in Beirut
George Chawi confirms driving Bassam to US authorities
Deborah Tice visits Beirut seeking answers from Bassam
Phone call with Bassam al-Hassan in Lebanon
Evidence of US protection and residency for Bassam
Tracking down Ramis Salha and his detention in Syria
Ramis Salha agrees to speak about Austin's case
FBI response and show credits
Sponsor announcements for Reveal and Reaching Out
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