How did Bashar al-Assad become one of the Middle East’s most feared dictators? What role did Hezbollah play in the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister in 2005? And how did Assad’s rise to ultimate power mirror the ascent of Michael Corleone in the Godfather?
As the new millennium dawned, Bashar al-Assad prepared to step into his father’s shoes as ... Show More
Jul 2019
Syria: The Rise and Fallout of the House of Assad with Sam Dagher
<p>After eight years of civil war in Syria, with hundreds of thousands of its citizens dead and millions more fleeing the country, one question looms large: how did things get so bad? During those early days of peaceful protest, what prompted a shoot-to-kill order from the highes ... Show More
20m 46s
Nov 2023
Saddam Hussein Part 2: Enforcer, Frontman, Mafia Godfather
Saddam consolidates his own power base, appointing friends and relatives to key positions. We hear a remarkable account from a woman whose own family was targeted by his secret police. Soon, the deputy will be in pole position to move against his mentor. And after that, Saddam wi ... Show More
48m 55s
Feb 2025
120. The New President of Syria: Trump, Palestine, and having a $10 million bounty on your head (Ahmed al-Sharaa)
How did Ahmed al-Sharaa go from an imprisoned al-Qaeda fighter to the leader of Syria? What is the psychological impact of living a secret life for over twenty years? What is the future of Syria?
Ahmed al-Sharaa joins Rory and Alastair to discuss all this and more.
TRIP Plus: B ... Show More
1h 7m