Where Is Austin Tice?: 3. The American Journalist
Summary
Investigative journalist Josh Baker uncovers secret Syrian intelligence files revealing that Austin Tice was held by the National Defence Forces, a paramilitary group loyal to the Assad regime. The episode retraces Tice’s 2012 journey through Syria with fellow journalist David Enders, highlighting his risky freelance work and the regime’s attempts to abduct him from a hospital in Al-Tal. After visiting the militia base where Tice was reportedly detained, the team confronts the uncertainty surrounding his fate following the fall of the Assad government.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and introduction to the episode
Examining Syrian intelligence files on Austin Tice
Visiting the NDF militia prison in Damascus
Announcing findings and meeting Austin's mother
Sponsorship break
Meeting David Enders in Beirut
Context of the Syrian civil war in 2012
Austin Tice's early days as a freelancer
David and Austin's journey with rebel fighters
Risks of Austin's military background in Syria
Concerns over Austin's safety and judgment
Austin's media breakthrough and social media trail
Investigating the hospital incident in Al-Tal
Credits and promotion for other BBC podcasts
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