NPR’s Ruth Sherlock on Assad’s Fall and Her Shocking Stories from Syria’s Uprising

In this episode, NPR’s Ruth Sherlock joins Aidan McLaughlin to share firsthand insights from Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. Drawing from over a decade of reporting in the Middle East, Ruth recounts the chaotic scenes in Damascus, the jubilation in Umayyad Square, and the surreal reunions with freed prisoners from the infamous Sednaya Prison. She reflects on the shocking rebel advance, the complexities of sectarian violence, and the hopes and fears of Syrians facing an uncertain future. From navigating dangerous reporting conditions to uncovering the untold stories of Syria's war-torn communities, Ruth's experiences provide a compelling window into one of the most significant geopolitical events in recent history. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:47 The Mood in Syria After Assad’s Fall 3:48 On The Horrors of Sednaya Prison 8:15 An American Prisoner’s Shocking Story 10:30 What Did You Cover in Syria? 13:25 What’s It Like Reporting in Syria? 13:40 Story of Near Kidnappings 16:38 Is Syria Safer Now? 18:14 What Happens Next for Syria? 26:08 On Sectarian Violence 29:19 Her Dangerous Piece for Daily Telegraph 30:36 How a Reporter Prepares for Syria 35:14 A Day in the Life of a War Reporter 36:24 Where Do Journalists Stay in Damascus? 40:10 What’s the Next Big Story? Welcome to Mediaite, THE site for news and opinion on the intersection of media and politics. Join Mediaite+ https://www.mediaite.com/subscribe/ ►Subscribe to Mediaite: https://bit.ly/3MjuECB ► Website: https://www.mediaite.com/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediaite/ ► X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/mediaite ► Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mediaite ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediaite #politics #syria #npr #news