Syria Unearths Years of Atrocities
The Daily
12/17/24
•30m
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Warning: This episode contains descriptions of torture and death. It also contains audio of death and grief.
Under Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government set up a vast network of prisons and torture chambers that swallowed up tens of thousands of people. For years, those perceived as enemies of the regime would disappear into the system, and their families would have no idea what happened to them.
Christina Goldbaum, who has covered the events in Syria, takes us inside one of those prisons and tells the story of one man who survived to tell the tale.
Guest: Christina Goldbaum, the Afghanistan and Pakistan bureau chief for The New York Times.
Background reading:
- Families of the missing are hoping that they may be reunited with loved ones or at least learn what happened to them.
- Amid the celebrations after the ouster of Mr. al-Assad, Syria has also found itself in the opening chapter of a nationwide reckoning over the horrors that his government inflicted.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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Previous Episode
Pete Hegseth Was Toast. The MAGA Swarm Came to His Rescue.
December 16, 2024
•26m
Warning: this episode contains strong language.
Over the past few weeks, the resistance of a single Republican senator, Joni Ernst of Iowa, had threatened to derail Donald J. Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth to run the Department of Defense.
Karoun Demirjian, who covers Congress for The Times, and Jonathan Swan, who covers politics, discuss how Mr. Trump and his allies ensured that Ms. Ernst’s resistance went away.
Guest:
- Karoun Demirjian, who covers Congress for The New York Times, with a focus on national security.
- Jonathan Swan, a Times reporter covering politics and Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign.
Background reading:
- Mr. Trump became convinced that letting Mr. Hegseth fail would set off a feeding frenzy among senators.
- Ms. Ernst, who is facing re-election in 2026, appeared less skeptical about the pick after MAGA supporters threatened her with political retribution.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Next Episode
France’s Horrifying Rape Trial Has a Feminist Hero
December 18, 2024
•29m
Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence.
After months of testimony, verdicts are expected as soon as this week in a rape trial that has both horrified and captivated the people of France.
Catherine Porter, who has covered the trial, discusses the woman at the center of the case and how, with a single decision, she has turned the power dynamics of the #MeToo era on their head.
Guest: Catherine Porter, an international correspondent for The New York Times based in Paris.
Background reading:
- France’s horrifying rape trial has a feminist hero.
- Dominique Pelicot says he invited men to rape his wife, whom he had drugged. The French media call them “Mr. Every Man” because they come from such ordinary backgrounds.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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