Oliver Marsden, a foreign correspondent for The Times, uncovers the life of Maher al-Assad, the brutal enforcer of the Assad regime, known for his connection to Syria's drug trade. He reveals an eerie lair complete with an underground funicular and an escape tunnel. The conversation highlights the rise of Captagon and its role in the regime’s finances amid economic collapse. Marsden shares insights into the Assad family's stark contrasts between luxury and the dire realities of the Syrian people, painting a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil.

Oliver Marsden, a journalist from The Times reporting from Damascus, reveals harrowing truths about Syria’s notorious prison network. He discusses the brutal conditions of Sednaya prison, where dissenters face unimaginable torture. Marsden sheds light on how these prisons serve as tools for the Assad regime to quash opposition. The tragic story of activist Mazan al-Hamada and the emotional contrasts at a funeral highlight the struggle for justice and the bittersweet hope among families still searching for missing loved ones.

Oliver Marsden, a journalist for The Times, and Rami Khouri, an expert in regional conflict, delve into the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. They discuss Hezbollah's origins and ideologies, and its dual role as a military and political entity in Lebanon. The conversation highlights the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Beirut and the mixed sentiments among the Lebanese regarding Hezbollah's actions. The urgent need for international diplomatic intervention is underscored, amidst fears of a wider conflict.