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This is CBS I In The World. I'm John Batch with David McCloskey. His novel, Damascus Station,

a work of fiction, a work of fiction about Syria in the early part of the second decade of

the 21st century. A state that is completely collapsed now, a failed state. And yet, David

Texas Inside Syria, Inside Damascus, and shows us what the CIA comes up against dealing

with state security, Mokhabarad. And the FSB shows up. That's right. The reawaken KGB shows

up. Other players include the Muslim brothers who have their own operation over the years

and then eventually the Tiharis will show up. There's a great deal of tradecraft in David's

book. And I recommend especially talking about it because David has passed his book to

General David Patreus, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, along with

his other titles. And Leon Panetta, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency,

along with his other titles. They have read and approved. And David also makes note in

a post-note that the CIA read his book very carefully several times, many more times.

The publication review board. And as to prove what David has identified as tradecraft.

So David, I want to have some fun because we're not going to give a story away. We've indicated

there's a hero and a hero and a good bad guy. And we know who the villains are. What is

an SDR, David? What do we learn from that right away at the opening scenes in Paris?

...