

#7080
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Damascus Station
Book • 2021
Damascus Station is a gritty and realistic espionage novel written by former CIA analyst David McCloskey.
The story takes place in the midst of the Syrian Civil War and follows CIA case officer Sam Joseph, who is tasked with recruiting Mariam Haddad, a disaffected government official.
Despite breaking protocol by falling in love with Mariam, Sam must navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of Syria, where paranoia, corruption, and civil war are rampant.
The novel incorporates real-life events and detailed descriptions of spy craft, providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters and the geopolitical context.
It explores themes of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of one of the most challenging CIA assignments.
The story takes place in the midst of the Syrian Civil War and follows CIA case officer Sam Joseph, who is tasked with recruiting Mariam Haddad, a disaffected government official.
Despite breaking protocol by falling in love with Mariam, Sam must navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of Syria, where paranoia, corruption, and civil war are rampant.
The novel incorporates real-life events and detailed descriptions of spy craft, providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters and the geopolitical context.
It explores themes of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of one of the most challenging CIA assignments.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by 

as a realistic spy story set in Damascus.


Rory Stewart

224 snips
372. Syria, al-Sharaa, and the future of the Middle East
Mentioned by 

as an extraordinary novel based on the author’s experience in the CIA working in Damascus.


Rory Stewart

97 snips
348. Syria, Afghanistan, and The Rest Is Classified
Mentioned by 

as the source of a quote about Bashar al-Assad.


Gordon Corera

48 snips
6. The Real Godfather: Assad’s Syrian Mafia (Ep 1)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

after meeting him at a dinner with spy writers; Tugendhat noted the book's accurate portrayal of Damascus.

Tom Tugendhat

"We Stand with Free People" — U.K. Security & Strategy with Tom Tugendhat
Mentioned by Andre as a fantastic new book written by a former CIA analyst.

"Damascus Station": Former CIA Analyst David McCloskey on his Spy Novel set in Syria's Civil War
Mentioned by 

as one of the author's previous novels.


Jack Murphy

Former CIA Analyst on Counterintelligence | David McCloskey | Ep. 305
Mentioned by Andy Milburn as one of the author's books.

WTF is Happening in Syria? w/ former CIA Syria Analyst David McCloskey | EYES ON PODCAST
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as one of the best spy novels he has read.

Chris Carr

S6 Ep13: Syria, CIA & Damascus Station with David McCloskey