Spy Novels and Realities

In this week's episode, A'ndre and Ryan sit down with former CIA Analyst David McCloskey to talk about his new spy thriller novel, Damascus Station. Set in the backdrop of the early years of the Syrian Civil War, Damascus Station depicts the conflict through the eyes of CIA Case Officer Sam Joseph and Syrian Palace Official Mariam Haddad. Sam recruits Mariam for CIA, but the two fall in love, complicating matters as the U.S. Governments tries to find answers about the whereabouts of a missing CIA agent, believed to be held captive by the Syrian Government. David discusses his writing style and why he chose to depict the Syrian Civil War through a work of fiction, in addition to talking about his portrayal of characters within both the U.S. and Syrian Governments. David also provides us with a broad overview of the Syrian conflict and the incumbent Assad regime, contextualizing the story in his book.