Where Is Austin Tice?: 8. Those Who Know
Summary
Journalists Josh Baker and Sarah Obidat investigate the whereabouts of Bassam al-Hassan, the former Syrian official who oversaw Austin Tice’s detention, after the fall of the Assad regime. They discover that al-Hassan has fled to Lebanon, where he is reportedly protected by US and Lebanese authorities due to his intelligence value regarding chemical weapons. The episode features interviews with al-Hassan’s assistant, a Syrian businessman, and Austin’s mother, Deborah Tice, who attempts to secure a meeting with him. Finally, a former NDF member named Ramis Salha agrees to speak, claiming he …
Topics discussed
Arrival in Syria and the fall of the Assad regime
Chaos, checkpoints, and the disappearance of Bassam al-Hassan
Protests in Latakia and tensions in Alawite heartland
Interview with Fadi Saka, a senior NDF figure
Fadi Saka's account of Austin Tice's detention
The broader crisis of missing persons in Syria
Interview with Bassam al-Hassan's long-time assistant
Discrepancies in the assistant's timeline of Austin's capture
Claims that Austin was handed to Hezbollah or Iran
Bassam al-Hassan's escape from Syria on the eve of the fall
A threatening message from the assistant after the interview
Tracing Bassam's flight to Lebanon via a source
Interview with a Syrian businessman in Beirut about Bassam's protection
George Chawi confirms driving Bassam to US authorities
Deborah Tice's attempt to meet Bassam in Beirut
Phone call with Bassam al-Hassan and his refusal to speak
Revealing Bassam's residency and protection by US and Lebanon
New lead: Ramis Salha and his contact Danny Mackey
Meeting Ramis Salha and his promise to tell the truth
Closing remarks, credits, and call for information
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