In an attempt to court the favour of the post-Assad regime in Syria, western countries have recently de-proscribed former terrorist groups. What does that mean for those who were deprived of their citizenship for allegedly associating with those groups, back when the West banned them?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Taryn Siegel.

Read more: Rabies, Russians and a return to scene of my kidnap, 11 years ago.

Further listening: Palmyra: Syria's past, present and future.

Clips: The Guardian, CNN, The Times, France 24.

Photo: Anthony Loyd for The Times.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

762: The Story Behind Our Daughter's Name