BBC Investigation Revisits the Disappearance of Austin Tice in Syria

An interview with investigative journalist Josh Baker about a BBC podcast investigation into the 2012 disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria. It outlines how reporting with colleague Sara Obedat examined his entry into Syria, his detention by the Assad regime, the search after the regime’s fall, and the evidence and accounts gathered about his fate.

■ Background and context
- Austin Tice’s background as a former Marine and Georgetown Law student
- His 2012 freelance reporting trip into Syria during the civil war

■ Disappearance and detention
- The driver, checkpoint, and alleged betrayal
- Syrian intelligence interest and the regime’s use of hostages

■ Investigation after Assad’s fall
- Search of prisons and security facilities
- Discovery of intelligence files and interviews with former officials

■ Key figures and aftermath
- Basam al-Hassan and his reported deal
- Deborah Tice’s response and the broader issue of Syria’s missing persons

It is suited to viewers interested in investigative reporting, Syria, hostage cases, and missing-person investigations. It provides an overview of the reporting process and main findings while directing listeners to the full podcast for detail.