Syrian general accused of atrocities is protected by U.S. and Lebanon, NPR and BBC find

A joint investigation by the BBC and NPR has alleged that former Syrian general Bassam al-Hassan, a man wanted for crimes against humanity, is currently being protected and funded by U.S. and Lebanese authorities. Hassan, who was a senior adviser to Bashar al-Assad and allegedly oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program, is reportedly providing intelligence regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice. The investigation suggests that despite Hassan being sanctioned by the U.S., he is living in Lebanon under a deal involving the FBI and CIA, though sources express doubt regarding the quality and honesty of the information he has provided.

A joint investigation by the BBC and NPR has alleged that former Syrian general Bassam al-Hassan, a man wanted for crimes against humanity, is currently being protected and funded by U.S. and Lebanese authorities. Hassan, who was a senior adviser to Bashar al-Assad and allegedly oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program, is reportedly providing intelligence regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice. The investigation suggests that despite Hassan being sanctioned by the U.S., he is living in Lebanon under a deal involving the FBI and CIA, though sources express doubt regarding the quality and honesty of the information he has provided.