Oh my god. Theo - you survived. You truly survived. Physically, mentally - you are alive. You are able to verbalize and process everything you’ve been through, all the distortion of reality and normalcy. you are a rock. Please take care of yourself. You’re incredible and really unique.
Deeply respect him and his healthy curiosity keeps him in touch with life. All forms of life. Its like he wants to understand and it is a strength. Beautiful interview well done!
Not one word from the united nations. Decades of all forms of torture, men, women, children, families and death for hundreds of thousands, mass graves for over 50 years and NOT ONE WORD from the united nations or ANYONE else. Madness of our world
Agreeing with you. I was hoping the new government in Syria will be better, but it seems that the way they torture and submit people is the Syrian way. The younger generation just learned and passed it on unless there is a new way coming in. For the time being, sad to say that I am not too optimistic.
@@cate9963 they're evil. Medieval people wouldn't be doing that stuff, it's not a mindset, it's just evil. These people and their religion are evil, all of them.
@@cate9963 People in the Middle Ages had no other option-they had no alternative. However, when discussing those who currently uphold a morality of primitive savagery, it is indeed a choice-and therefore, they represent pure evil.
Everyone should have common sense. There is no way in hell that I would go to any of these countries for any reason. Their mercilessness and ignorance is next level.
journalism / liberal arts major, had trouble getting a job in the media, tried to advance his "career", decided to take a risk, got way more than he bargained for, became a "story" himself. Kids, don't be like this fool, study to become a doctor or a lawyer, or a licensed contractor, and keep the hell away from the "religion of peace".
This man is traumatized. One second he talks about the horror of his situation, and the next second he is speaking so well of his captors. Stockholm syndrome.
@@SamBalino what exactly was he spying on? what secrets was he trying to get? because everything he said was already public knowledge and there were no secrets in where he was. do you even know what journalism is?
Probably knowing who aljulanii was, there were bounties on several people in syria not long ago!! What makes you sure what he didnt say was not "public knowledge"...
I was just about to write "Stockholm syndrome' and I kid you not, the term came out of the guests mouth. Clinically (I'm a clinical therapist), there are 'trauma bonds' all over the place here. People can bond to each other during traumatic experiences, meaning, the traumatic event is what bonds them together, and it's extremely difficult to break these bonds. I hope this guest is finding the psychological help that is needed for him to heal. And, in order to heal, one has to leave the environment in which one is wounded.
You are wrong...soldiers have a deep sense of respect and yes, even love for the enemy...because a soldier is just a young man following orders and experiencing trauma..your enemy is excactly the same...so it's easy to forget you where enemies ones in battle and can now form a deep connection together in civilian life
@@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat I get tired of interacting with people like you when you say stuff like this, and yet, you would probably question what I was basing my opinion on. I just can't win for losing with your types. I simply stated the perspective from which I was commenting as the average person cannot speak into these sorts of situations with any credibility. If I don't state the basis for my comment, you get belligerent. If I state the basis for my comment, you still get belligerent. People like you sit in your mom's basement in your underwear scrolling youtube just to find places to make miserable comments. Get a damn life.
There's no hatred or anger in this brave gentleman's heart, i want him to hate and be angry, but I've never been in his position. But man, this hurts me a lot
they broke him down. try to understand he is not the person he was before he was kidnapped. (1 he saw their anger and subconsciously he despises it. he has subliminal anger.
Truly wild content in this interview. Thank you to mister Padnos for speaking about your experience and to Michael for the great work interviewing. The insights here are vital to beginning to understand Syria and its potential future.
@ Where did you get that connection from? Islamism has many sources and origins, Egypt, Saudi Arabia etc… I would understand if you said the war in Iraq? But what does support for Israel have to do with Syria? Other than the delusion amongst jihadist that hatred for Israel and the west will serve as a binding principle amongst their ranks? That belief I fear has far more to do with their religious notions of apostasy and nothing the west does to ameliorate that belief will change it.
@@Dktz91US policy in the Middle East is based on supporting Israel against Arab nationalism. It has been that way since the Eisenhower doctrine. Why do you think the US did regime-change in Iraq and Libya prior to Syria? US aims overlapped with those of Turkey and Israel, and they all occupy parts of Syria now. However, thieves fall out and chaos will ensue
This poor man is completely traumatized by torture. There’s something about the way he speaks that sounds so profoundly psychologically twisted. So sad.
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscapeyes he has and I acknowledge that but… still being in communication with his captors and the way he speaks about them doesn’t strike you as odd? I attribute it to a Stockholm syndrome of sorts… 🤷🏻♀️ my heart goes out to him
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscape This is what cults do to people, he knows what's happened to his own mind by it. In his own words he was psychologically transformed. He still talks to them; he's bonded to them in a way none of us could ever understand. It's twisted, it's completely twisted, but he knows that it is. We know that it is, and yet there is nothing that can be done about it. He sees himself in those young men, who were psychologically twisted by the same ideology from birth, that he was in captivity.
Yes, I agree 💯. Sadly, this man is damaged forever whether or not he's moved on from these horrific atrocities. This is a very compelling interview. Moynihan's at his best when he interviews troubled souls such as this man. Overall, I am disturbed, to say the least 😢
@GreenCanvasInteriorscape There's coping, but then there's this concept where he learned to "just submit", a seeming nihilistic perspective where you just give up your sense of self against your opressor, "resistance is futile" kinda stuff.
I hate this world for its treatment of Israel. I hope you get your people back soon. Thank you for fighting for freedom and the West, even if the West is too far gone to appreciate it..
@@PerryHowell-h9vYou feel the West stands for ethnic cleansing and genocide? The governments do, I guess. Israel helped bring these terrorists to power, aren't you aware of that?
@@PerryHowell-h9v disgraceful comment! You think the West stands for genocide?! Perhaps you're right..... but most citizens are decent people who object, unlike you
Deeply truthful. Theo, keep telling your story. You should be on every major news channel being interviewed as the expert on who the new gov't in Syria is. I have stopped following any news but when I heard Assad was out, I had to know who was in charge. All the main news outlets said was the Resistance. I was in Kuwait for 10 yrs, 6 of which I spent writing about militia groups in Iraq, mostly Shia militias like the Badr Brigade, but of course I remember when the term Isis in the Levant became the new name for the Sunni group in Syria. As soon as you said Jabhat al Nusra, I knew exactly who is now in charge in Syria. Bismillah rahman rahim, God help them all.
Aleppo, 300,000 Christian’s, Today, 30,000… !!! Turkey was Christian, Syria the whole of Mesopotamia and Egypt was Christian. Even Bethlehem is now Muslim.
Theo. I'm really astounded at your story. I get what you are talking about keeping in touch with the guys that held you. I understand your feelings and the idea of submitting to them as a prisoner. The interviewer is so perplexed and it amused me greatly.😂 Very interesting experience you have had.
This is interview was just stunning. The way he just casually admits that he still keeps in contact with his captors, including that very morning. I'm just completely flummoxed as to what he's revealing here. I don't think Michael fully appreciated in the moment what was going on here.
@@barbaras2669English isn't your first language? Your post reads like someone learning our language. That's awesome tho, I'm always pleased when immigrants try to learn our language. Keep working, you are close to speaking/understanding the English language!
That's why we need Our Lord Jesus Christ to come again to clean this world from all evils and setup his kingdom of peace , justice and happiness for ever . Come soon and come quickly Jesus . Maranatha
Makes you realize that the Crusades were entirely justified. Christians had every right to take back the land the Muslims had stolen. Even the Inquisitions were nothing in comparison to how the Muslims operated and still operate.
Its probably hard for him to go into all this horrific details and its so far away from what we can imagine....the kids he is talking about inrolled in being torturers. all the terrorists grew up like that being beaten and seing beating as part of life . This man talks about this stuff and he knows there is no way to be like before and he keeps talking to this guys as a friend and knows there loneliness and that they never learned another way ...
@@sumiahaltalhi4767 It's not a rocket science. It's been going o for 14 centuries. That is standard operating procedure for medieval interpretations of Islam. So yes, he definitely understands better than him.
This man studied Arabic, he studied Islam and yet he realized that he made a stupid mistake by going into Syria. Possibly another young person never trained in critical thinking or consequences. Just my opinion. His survival and release was a miracle. I wish him well and thank him for sharing. This is the reality that we must be aware of in our current geopolitical scene.
When you know the language and religion, often you are lured to go and stay in there. You kind of think that you are one of them, that they are your family... well , these nation are strongly racist and caring exclusively about them selves. Be aware....
They accused him of greed yet he says they are purely fighting for money and the Shake used him for a pay day. Yet he makes it out like they have some purely spiritual motive. Makes no sense!
Met a Christian from Syria over ten years ago that opened my eyes that while Assad was brutal, what would come next would be worse. Happened in Libya where we destabilized for no understandable reason
The thing that floored me about Isis, exposed by Graeme Wood, is that they are extremely willing to talk to anyone, because they are completely religious and proselytize whenever possible.
It takes great moral courage and power to able to understand the depravity of such a false ideology and this man isn't that strong really. To sympathize with evil is reprehensible. I listened for 27 minutes before I decided yeah, I'm not going to listen to Stockholm syndrome folks lol 😂
@@AB-fr9rh well you made a mistake, you would know more if you stayed and didn't go off on your teenage girl rage quit...he simply understands that many of them are victims them selves and where raised to be that way, but deeply as humans
My heart hurts for you and ALL those people that have and are being manipulated, oppressed and inately being controlled by evil. Pure evil, devoid of any light, peace, and love. In themselves or toward anyone else. They want destruction, chaos, and control!
I feel like the interviewer was always interrupting him at just the point where he was going to say what I was interesting in finding out. I'm left feeling very frustrated.
Several of those are probably where the interview has been edited - they likely cut short some of his answers to make it a certain length. It makes the next question seem like a sudden change of direction, or like he's cutting him off, when in reality, he didn't.
@@bethb5915 No, I'm speaking specifically of the interruptions, places where he talked over the guest right as he was getting to something I thought was extremely important. I kept finding myself shouting at the screen. "Shut up, will you? Let the guy finish!"
This is so revelatory on how children are raised in the Al-Qaeda cult it is not optional but to sumbit to the cult, and learn how to torture from age 6. Mossab Yousef son of the founder of Hamas in Gaza, has been through the same process as a child though doesn't expose it as explicity as Theo Padnos. Who survived deadly conditions in a Syrian prison. However, T Padnos still has the peculiarity to remain in contact with his torturers to glean information on how the regime is going to unfold in the Levant Region??? Is that the reason?. It would be very interesting for him to meet Mosab Hassan Yousef ex Hamas operative who was deprogrammed, worked for the Mossad, became a Christian and received refuge in the USA.
I wouldn't say Mossab is a Christian. In many of his more recent interviews he said he dabbles in many spiritual practices and moved away from Christianity.
I think his point is that by talking to his captors he can be a source to understand them and their motives. No person is a syndrome. Ac a cancer survivor I get his acceptance and joie de vivre.
This video was uploaded 6 hours ago but when was it recorded? This info is time-sensitive: the guest says "They are comporting themselves relatively decently at the moment." AT THE MOMENT. When was that moment? This why it would be good to start each podcast with the date and time.
Hmmm. I just know too much about the Middle East to make only an assumption at this point. What will happen to beautiful Syria. I hope only good things. For Theo thank you for sharing your story with us all. I wish you well in your life.
The situation in Syria is deeply troubling and evokes parallels with the devastating conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a palpable fear that the country could descend into prolonged instability, leaving its people to suffer further devastation. The rise of jihadist factions like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HDS) complicates an already dire situation. Their extremist ideology and tactics suggest they are not a viable or humane option for Syria’s future. If empowered, such groups could perpetuate cycles of violence and oppression, particularly against minorities. Syria’s minorities, who have already endured unspeakable atrocities under Assad’s regime, remain at grave risk. Without safeguards and a focus on protecting vulnerable populations, history could repeat itself, deepening the wounds of a nation already scarred by years of conflict.
Unfortunately, global media portrays certain areas and tries to promote the idea that Syria is in a wonderful situation after HTS entered to liberate us from the previous regime. I assure you that the reality is different. Daily, numerous violations of minority rights occur, and words differ greatly from actions...thank you for your sympathy ❤
I can‘t believe such kind of cruelty. Moreover that the Journalist survived in Syria!! 🇸🇾 How can the devil by devils produce a change??!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your honest report!! 😢😢😢
@pennymayphilip9646 well they didn't continue to kill people did they? They finally realized their objection and got rid of the English rule didn't they? That can happen when you occupy a country against their will.
So difficult to hear and even imagine having been through all you have Theo. I certainly hope you've availed yourself of therapy. Thank you for your courage and for exposing these terrorists now in charge of Syria. There is absolutely nothing for you to be ashamed of for doing what you needed to survive. You were mentally raped and came away a survivor. What an incredible interview.
This interview should be everywhere. Gosh the things he suffer led but the abuse they do the children is horrific because they not just get robbed of their childhood with horror but also transform them into entities of hate, could that be reversed? Gosh
I would expect it to take two generations of exposure to Western liberal education and lifestyle for these people to actually evolve from the medieval mindset/lifestyle they've been stuck in since the 1500s.
This is powerful..his understanding of capturers is amazing. I would hate so intensely if this had happened to me. The dynamics in the middle east is so confusing to me as an American. I have much to learn...
I recently read that Stockholm Syndrome wasn't actually a real thing, but his evasive answers about his feelings toward his torturers are to me definite proof that it's very real. But man, I would have never survived what he survived.
I couldn't either. The thought is harrowing. It is Day 436 for the remaining hostages, if alive, wherever they may be and whomever may be holding them. Americans included. I think about them every day. Especially Kfir Bibas, the 8 month old (at the time). It is also long enough that the women we saw on the news being separated by who was able to procreate, to have gotten pregnant AND given birth. It's just awful to imagine. Just as the stories of the surgeries performed by veterinarians on the poor injured people who got out during the first wave and told us the stories of their time being held. It's all beyond comprehension. Listening to these stories makes me feel like he is speaking as it is an out of body experience for him. Maybe that is the only way he can cope.
@skontheroad, do you think about all the dead children, women, men, cats, and dogs from Gaza? Because this hostages, which many of them are IDF, could have been free long time ago, as were the seasonal worker from Thailand. Netanyahu don't care about the hostages.
Oman seem mild. 🤷♀️ I genuinely question whether many of these nations are able to produce anything other than sectarian tyrants. Sounds harsh, but…it is what it is.
I am thankful that you are alive, and that you are telling the whole world about your story and all that horrific stuff you have been through. May God bless you and heal you completely ❤
Or maybe not, because their masters knew who these people were when they brought them to power. The function of the mainstream media is not to investigate but to do the rebranding.
What he's describing is the Stockholm Syndrome where the person being tortured gains an appreciation for those who are torturing them as their caregivers. A real twist of sanity. They come to believe they deserve to be abused.
I’m so sorry for the people of Syria. Under the rule of demons for 50 yrs and now into the hand of terrorists. I can’t imagine how this will all turn out. Though Assad and his regime were highly evil and torturous, praying the new regime will be peaceful. I don’t know how that could be but who knows. Great interview with Mr. Theo.🙏🏼
Unfortunately, western media portrays certain areas and tries to promote the idea that Syria is in a wonderful situation after these rebels entered to liberate us from the previous regime. I assure you that the reality is different. As a syrian who live inside now I can tell you that Daily, numerous violations of minority rights occur 😢 but we hope that situation will change... thank you for your sympathy
@ I hope so much that Syria will have more rights and live peacefully. From what I’ve watched and learned so far it’s been hell for almost 50 long years. The amount of people who’ve died is outrageous with there most of the time no real reason. I can’t imagine the horror families went through seeing love ones tortured and murdered. It’s heartbreaking. One of my favorite vloggers is Syrian (Hungry Syrian) and I learned from h8. And became very curious about Syria. I wish I could do more but all I can do is hope and pray for all the people of Syria. Everyone has the right to live without fear. Please take care and hoping things will get better.🤍🙏🏼
@@angel.heart007 Yes, indeed. The Syrian people were the victims during the dictatorial rule that suppressed political freedoms and threw people into prisons. However, after the revolution, we hoped for a better alternative that would respect the religious and intellectual freedoms of others. But unfortunately, the alternative turned out to be worse! Now, we only wish to live safely with our children..
@@angel.heart007 Yes, indeed. The Syrian people suffered under the dictatorial regime that suppressed political freedoms and threw people into prisons . However, following the revolution, we anticipated a better alternative that would uphold the religious and intellectual liberties of all. But the replacement till now has proven to be even worse! Now, all we hope is to live safely.
This interview is wild and so fascinating. I am so sorry for this man’s suffering and all he has been through. What and how he was treated, their methods, need to concern the West.
"I was starving, and they brought me food." Does this mean I need to be forever grateful to my torturers for feeding me only to hurt me later? Does this mean I am somehow bound to remain in touch with and help people who hurt me?
We need a much longer interview with this guy. I feel like we just scratched the surface here.
Oh my god. Theo - you survived. You truly survived. Physically, mentally - you are alive. You are able to verbalize and process everything you’ve been through, all the distortion of reality and normalcy. you are a rock. Please take care of yourself. You’re incredible and really unique.
Jihadist sat him free and he is free now, and what he have done ?! He started to ruin their reputation and I believe that he is a lair
A brilliant interview. Thank you. And kindest wishes to Theo.
Very disturbing indeed.This is one of the most fascinating and compelling interviews I've listened to
Jihadist sat him free and he is free now, and what he have done ?! He started to ruin their reputation and I believe that he is a lair
Deeply respect him and his healthy curiosity keeps him in touch with life. All forms of life. Its like he wants to understand and it is a strength. Beautiful interview well done!
Not one word from the united nations. Decades of all forms of torture, men, women, children, families and death for hundreds of thousands, mass graves for over 50 years and NOT ONE WORD from the united nations or ANYONE else. Madness of our world
Try google next time.
What are you talking about...
This is pure willful ignorance
how they dont ? they did and lefties jumped to say that the americans want to take their oil....so Russians came !
Plenty of words. No action.
Wow. . . just wow! Thank you, Michael for this interview. It was quite sobering❤
Agreeing with you. I was hoping the new government in Syria will be better, but it seems that the way they torture and submit people is the Syrian way. The younger generation just learned and passed it on unless there is a new way coming in. For the time being, sad to say that I am not too optimistic.
Indeed amazing interview - both men... Confirmed completely what I was thinking of the future Siria, unfortunately. Sad.
These people who said you're animal...they're even worst on what you're accused of.
These terrorists are pure evil
I don't think they are evil. They are simply staying in the medieval way unfortunately and haven't arrived at the modern day thinking.
@@cate9963 they're evil. Medieval people wouldn't be doing that stuff, it's not a mindset, it's just evil. These people and their religion are evil, all of them.
and now they are in power in Syria. 😢
@@cate9963 People in the Middle Ages had no other option-they had no alternative. However, when discussing those who currently uphold a morality of primitive savagery, it is indeed a choice-and therefore, they represent pure evil.
Jihadist sat him free and he is free now, and what he have done ?! He started to ruin their reputation and I believe that he is a lair
Thank you for sharing this terrible ordeal. It takes courage. Such an important video to understand who are we dealing with.
Everyone should have common sense. There is no way in hell that I would go to any of these countries for any reason. Their mercilessness and ignorance is next level.
Listen to what the guest said about these countries.
journalism / liberal arts major, had trouble getting a job in the media, tried to advance his "career", decided to take a risk, got way more than he bargained for, became a "story" himself. Kids, don't be like this fool, study to become a doctor or a lawyer, or a licensed contractor, and keep the hell away from the "religion of peace".
They outshine Satan
Oh, you don't have to go to their countries. They are coming to ours.
One of the best interviews I've ever seen in any field.
This man is traumatized. One second he talks about the horror of his situation, and the next second he is speaking so well of his captors. Stockholm syndrome.
Stockholm syndrome doesn't exist
He is a trained spy.. they are trained and immune to trauma of all kinds
@@SamBalino No.
@@SamBalino what exactly was he spying on? what secrets was he trying to get? because everything he said was already public knowledge and there were no secrets in where he was. do you even know what journalism is?
Probably knowing who aljulanii was, there were bounties on several people in syria not long ago!! What makes you sure what he didnt say was not "public knowledge"...
I was just about to write "Stockholm syndrome' and I kid you not, the term came out of the guests mouth. Clinically (I'm a clinical therapist), there are 'trauma bonds' all over the place here. People can bond to each other during traumatic experiences, meaning, the traumatic event is what bonds them together, and it's extremely difficult to break these bonds. I hope this guest is finding the psychological help that is needed for him to heal. And, in order to heal, one has to leave the environment in which one is wounded.
Nothing discredits a human being faster than saying "(I'm a clinical therapist)"
@@twelvecatsinatrenchcoatyour comment clearly shows that you’re a landscaper or dishwasher.
@twelve - haha, what have you experienced that makes you say that…
You are wrong...soldiers have a deep sense of respect and yes, even love for the enemy...because a soldier is just a young man following orders and experiencing trauma..your enemy is excactly the same...so it's easy to forget you where enemies ones in battle and can now form a deep connection together in civilian life
@@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat I get tired of interacting with people like you when you say stuff like this, and yet, you would probably question what I was basing my opinion on. I just can't win for losing with your types. I simply stated the perspective from which I was commenting as the average person cannot speak into these sorts of situations with any credibility. If I don't state the basis for my comment, you get belligerent. If I state the basis for my comment, you still get belligerent. People like you sit in your mom's basement in your underwear scrolling youtube just to find places to make miserable comments. Get a damn life.
There's no hatred or anger in this brave gentleman's heart, i want him to hate and be angry, but I've never been in his position. But man, this hurts me a lot
they broke him down. try to understand he is not the person he was before he was kidnapped. (1 he saw their anger and subconsciously he despises it. he has subliminal anger.
Did he convert to islam??
that’s the problem. in some cases it’s healthier to be angry and to hate. the fact that he doesn’t feel this way shows that he’s broken and unwell.
@@adish7275God knows...
Truly wild content in this interview. Thank you to mister Padnos for speaking about your experience and to Michael for the great work interviewing.
The insights here are vital to beginning to understand Syria and its potential future.
What's important for westerners to understand is that our support for Israel led to Islamists coming to power in Syria
@ Where did you get that connection from? Islamism has many sources and origins, Egypt, Saudi Arabia etc… I would understand if you said the war in Iraq? But what does support for Israel have to do with Syria? Other than the delusion amongst jihadist that hatred for Israel and the west will serve as a binding principle amongst their ranks? That belief I fear has far more to do with their religious notions of apostasy and nothing the west does to ameliorate that belief will change it.
@@Dktz91 The main actors behind the HTS incursion are US, Israel, Turkey, with others including Qatar and Ukraine
@@Dktz91US policy in the Middle East is based on supporting Israel against Arab nationalism. It has been that way since the Eisenhower doctrine. Why do you think the US did regime-change in Iraq and Libya prior to Syria? US aims overlapped with those of Turkey and Israel, and they all occupy parts of Syria now. However, thieves fall out and chaos will ensue
What an amazing attitude and strong survival instinct. How would any of us react in such a tortuous, inhumane situation?
An extremely profound interview.
Be sure to see the interview with another westerner who'd been trapped in Syria for years by the Triggernometry podcast guys, FF & KK.
"FF & KK"? Huh?
It is true, very hard to make any judgments if you have no idea what it means to be tortured.
This poor man is completely traumatized by torture. There’s something about the way he speaks that sounds so profoundly psychologically twisted. So sad.
Odd take, he sounds like he's moved on and has coped, all that a human could ask for.
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscapeyes he has and I acknowledge that but… still being in communication with his captors and the way he speaks about them doesn’t strike you as odd? I attribute it to a Stockholm syndrome of sorts… 🤷🏻♀️ my heart goes out to him
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscape This is what cults do to people, he knows what's happened to his own mind by it.
In his own words he was psychologically transformed. He still talks to them; he's bonded to them in a way none of us could ever understand.
It's twisted, it's completely twisted, but he knows that it is. We know that it is, and yet there is nothing that can be done about it.
He sees himself in those young men, who were psychologically twisted by the same ideology from birth, that he was in captivity.
Yes, I agree 💯. Sadly, this man is damaged forever whether or not he's moved on from these horrific atrocities. This is a very compelling interview. Moynihan's at his best when he interviews troubled souls such as this man. Overall, I am disturbed, to say the least 😢
@GreenCanvasInteriorscape There's coping, but then there's this concept where he learned to "just submit", a seeming nihilistic perspective where you just give up your sense of self against your opressor, "resistance is futile" kinda stuff.
All I can think about are our hostages in Hamas captivity and what they are going through..
I hate this world for its treatment of Israel. I hope you get your people back soon. Thank you for fighting for freedom and the West, even if the West is too far gone to appreciate it..
@@PerryHowell-h9vYou feel the West stands for ethnic cleansing and genocide? The governments do, I guess.
Israel helped bring these terrorists to power, aren't you aware of that?
@PerryHowell-h9v Thank you 🙏.
By the accounts of released prisoners they were well treated.
@@PerryHowell-h9v disgraceful comment! You think the West stands for genocide?! Perhaps you're right..... but most citizens are decent people who object, unlike you
The religion of peace in action
I don't know if it's the cousin inter-marriage amongst them or lack of actual education but his jailers seem to be very stupid - as in low-IQ.
Oh yeah, what Mr Murray told us all along
Bigot
100 percent accurate to Douglas & others
idiot assad did much worse america did much worse in guantanamo and still does
Deeply truthful. Theo, keep telling your story. You should be on every major news channel being interviewed as the expert on who the new gov't in Syria is. I have stopped following any news but when I heard Assad was out, I had to know who was in charge. All the main news outlets said was the Resistance. I was in Kuwait for 10 yrs, 6 of which I spent writing about militia groups in Iraq, mostly Shia militias like the Badr Brigade, but of course I remember when the term Isis in the Levant became the new name for the Sunni group in Syria. As soon as you said Jabhat al Nusra, I knew exactly who is now in charge in Syria. Bismillah rahman rahim, God help them all.
"Every cult member has a double personality. They can switch in and out. They know how to deal with the public."
Some of them are among us.
Very kind of Theo to do this interview, to relive the nightmare. I pray he will be blessed abundantly, stay safe and live in peace. Deep respect.🙏
Thank you, Theo Padnos. If we are to survive, we in the west must understand what you have learned.
You don't know anything, I am Syrian, and we, the Syrian people, have not been able to speak for 54 years

I hope he will heal inside i can see that he's still hve a lot of trauma that he needs to heal.🙏
Aleppo, 300,000 Christian’s, Today, 30,000… !!! Turkey was Christian, Syria the whole of Mesopotamia and Egypt was Christian. Even Bethlehem is now Muslim.
Christians were safe under Assad. Too late to regret the US regime-change war now
Lebanon was a peaceful Christian country too
Europe was pagan know is Christian and atheist, make Europe pagan again 😂
@@ruthvanita6368 christians commited lots of crimes before islam
Great interview…..thank you for opening up.
Theo.
I'm really astounded at your story. I get what you are talking about keeping in touch with the guys that held you. I understand your feelings and the idea of submitting to them as a prisoner.
The interviewer is so perplexed and it amused me greatly.😂
Very interesting experience you have had.
UK just gave £50 million to these extremists
Say it ain't so! Please!!
@@TTFN55 It absolutely is so, unfortunately.
UK has gone crazy
Labour Party is full of them.
I would speculate that the same cash flows have gone to Gaza and Iran and its clients
This is interview was just stunning. The way he just casually admits that he still keeps in contact with his captors, including that very morning. I'm just completely flummoxed as to what he's revealing here.
I don't think Michael fully appreciated in the moment what was going on here.
interrupted him in mid sentence many times, the guest is probly used to not being listened to & not being heard or comprehended.
Well, I see it as Theo Pasno is continuing to be a journalist. He is getting information on what is going on in Syria.
@@barbaras2669that’s how I interpreted it as well.
@@barbaras2669English isn't your first language? Your post reads like someone learning our language. That's awesome tho, I'm always pleased when immigrants try to learn our language. Keep working, you are close to speaking/understanding the English language!
@KratomConnoisseur Sorry to disappoint you, fellow. But I am an American born citizen. Perhaps you are not used to standard English?
Incredible dark journey,surprising he was able to keep his sanity.
I will NEVER forget this interview!!!! Thank you. Stepping into an alternative universe-- the (absurd) logic of terrorism explained.
shame about the dreadful interviewer who continually interrupts the flow.
Amazing insight into this sick cult!
Chilling
So much evil in this world..😢
There is a religion that states they're the one and only ... last religion. There's your evil.
That's why we need Our Lord Jesus Christ to come again to clean this world from all evils and setup his kingdom of peace , justice and happiness for ever .
Come soon and come quickly Jesus .
Maranatha
Extraordinary. Hard to believe. Man’s inhumanity to man.
"Some" men's inhumanity, far from "All".
Terrible who in charge of Syria , same who did October 7 , 2023. Sorry to these who went through that torture
They are from the same lot as the Israelis all of them shame to shame
Not the same. Israel has systematically ethnically cleansed Palestinians since 1948.
@@smellTcoffe more lies
they are all oct 7
@@smellTcoffeIsreal been winning since 1948?
What an evil society
The US and Mossad created this
Makes you realize that the Crusades were entirely justified. Christians had every right to take back the land the Muslims had stolen. Even the Inquisitions were nothing in comparison to how the Muslims operated and still operate.
Another outstanding by Free Press. Racking up wins and paving the way.
Fantastic interview. Compelling, informative and inspiring. 🙏🇬🇧🙏🇬🇧🙏🇬🇧🙏
Oh my soul ...Theo...My all Thanksgiving go to Ha Shem...your life was spared...
Its probably hard for him to go into all this horrific details and its so far away from what we can imagine....the kids he is talking about inrolled in being torturers.
all the terrorists grew up like that being beaten and seing beating as part of life .
This man talks about this stuff and he knows there is no way to be like before and he keeps talking to this guys as a friend and knows there loneliness and that they never learned another way ...
This dude is messed up in the head to ever ever think these guys care about a lasting peace
Yes you understand better than him!
@@sumiahaltalhi4767 It's not a rocket science. It's been going o for 14 centuries. That is standard operating procedure for medieval interpretations of Islam. So yes, he definitely understands better than him.
it is there way - Islam - or NOTHING.
The people who did the torture in Aby Ghraib are no longer in prison.
This man studied Arabic, he studied Islam and yet he realized that he made a stupid mistake by going into Syria. Possibly another young person never trained in critical thinking or consequences. Just my opinion. His survival and release was a miracle. I wish him well and thank him for sharing. This is the reality that we must be aware of in our current geopolitical scene.
When you know the language and religion, often you are lured to go and stay in there. You kind of think that you are one of them, that they are your family... well , these nation are strongly racist and caring exclusively about them selves. Be aware....
Can you imagine what Hamas is doing to the Hostages !
They accused him of greed yet he says they are purely fighting for money and the Shake used him for a pay day. Yet he makes it out like they have some purely spiritual motive. Makes no sense!
I think he's saying that their logic (as skewed as it is) comes from their spiritual beliefs.
Met a Christian from Syria over ten years ago that opened my eyes that while Assad was brutal, what would come next would be worse. Happened in Libya where we destabilized for no understandable reason
The West has aimed to subvert Arab nationalism and pan-Arabism ever since this was a priority of the Eisenhower doctrine
This man is completely nuts to believe his captors had any form of compassion for him. He needs some serious therapy.
...its called a desperation. You have now idea how much he suffered.
@@StarCrystal9 I agree, I have no idea how much he suffered.
All I know is he is nuts to believe there was any compassion.
Him still talking to his captors on the phone is so beyond deranged
The thing that floored me about Isis, exposed by Graeme Wood, is that they are extremely willing to talk to anyone, because they are completely religious and proselytize whenever possible.
It takes great moral courage and power to able to understand the depravity of such a false ideology and this man isn't that strong really. To sympathize with evil is reprehensible. I listened for 27 minutes before I decided yeah, I'm not going to listen to Stockholm syndrome folks lol 😂
@@AB-fr9rh Yes, it was a 'profound psychological transformation'. This man needs a lot of help.
@@AB-fr9rh well you made a mistake, you would know more if you stayed and didn't go off on your teenage girl rage quit...he simply understands that many of them are victims them selves and where raised to be that way, but deeply as humans
It's called Stockholm syndrome
Fascinating, absolutely fascinating
My heart hurts for you and ALL those people that have and are being manipulated, oppressed and inately being controlled by evil.
Pure evil, devoid of any light, peace, and love.
In themselves or toward anyone else.
They want destruction, chaos, and control!
I feel like the interviewer was always interrupting him at just the point where he was going to say what I was interesting in finding out. I'm left feeling very frustrated.
Yes, poor interview skills. Let him speak and don’t speak for him. Frustrating!
100% I thought it was deliberate
Let him talk! Interrupting the guest constantly, not listening. “Why “, questions, Talking over him. Not professional
Several of those are probably where the interview has been edited - they likely cut short some of his answers to make it a certain length. It makes the next question seem like a sudden change of direction, or like he's cutting him off, when in reality, he didn't.
@@bethb5915 No, I'm speaking specifically of the interruptions, places where he talked over the guest right as he was getting to something I thought was extremely important. I kept finding myself shouting at the screen. "Shut up, will you? Let the guy finish!"
Jihadists doctrine is insidious AF. Dude should lose those numbers. Excellent interview.
These people are evil to the core. Then they want to say their religion is peace.
This is the craziest shit I've ever heard.
Fascinating. Thank you for this interview.
Wait, what??? "They've rebranded???" That's effed up!!
And the world is obsessed with Netanyahu
Bibi is a badass.
He is a killer and should be jailed (ICC). If I could choose by the neu guys from Syria.
Do you know what they are doing in Israeli prisons?I am sure you don't.wors than Al kaida
This is so revelatory on how children are raised in the Al-Qaeda cult it is not optional but to sumbit to the cult, and learn how to torture from age 6. Mossab Yousef son of the founder of Hamas in Gaza, has been through the same process as a child though doesn't expose it as explicity as Theo Padnos. Who survived deadly conditions in a Syrian prison. However, T Padnos still has the peculiarity to remain in contact with his torturers to glean information on how the regime is going to unfold in the Levant Region??? Is that the reason?. It would be very interesting for him to meet Mosab Hassan Yousef ex Hamas operative who was deprogrammed, worked for the Mossad, became a Christian and received refuge in the USA.
As I understand it the Levant is the Mideast with no Israel.
I wouldn't say Mossab is a Christian. In many of his more recent interviews he said he dabbles in many spiritual practices and moved away from Christianity.
@TTFN55 Levant is just the "neutral" name for Syrian region/Palestine/Israel etc.
@@zjzr08 - Ohhh! Thank you kindly.
Levant - The eastern Mediterranean where the sun was "levant" (Rising) from. As perceived by the Italian seaman, and later European colonial powers.
I think his point is that by talking to his captors he can be a source to understand them and their motives. No person is a syndrome. Ac a cancer survivor I
get his acceptance and joie de vivre.
This video was uploaded 6 hours ago but when was it recorded? This info is time-sensitive: the guest says "They are comporting themselves relatively decently at the moment." AT THE MOMENT. When was that moment? This why it would be good to start each podcast with the date and time.
Very well explained , they have deep seated beliefs in a form that is closed. He is explaining the extreme mindset that is activated.
An eye opener about HTS, the “liberators” of Syria in real time!
Hmmm. I just know too much about the Middle East to make only an assumption at this point. What will happen to beautiful Syria. I hope only good things. For Theo thank you for sharing your story with us all. I wish you well in your life.
The situation in Syria is deeply troubling and evokes parallels with the devastating conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is a palpable fear that the country could descend into prolonged instability, leaving its people to suffer further devastation.
The rise of jihadist factions like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HDS) complicates an already dire situation. Their extremist ideology and tactics suggest they are not a viable or humane option for Syria’s future. If empowered, such groups could perpetuate cycles of violence and oppression, particularly against minorities.
Syria’s minorities, who have already endured unspeakable atrocities under Assad’s regime, remain at grave risk. Without safeguards and a focus on protecting vulnerable populations, history could repeat itself, deepening the wounds of a nation already scarred by years of conflict.
Unfortunately, global media portrays certain areas and tries to promote the idea that Syria is in a wonderful situation after HTS entered to liberate us from the previous regime. I assure you that the reality is different. Daily, numerous violations of minority rights occur, and words differ greatly from actions...thank you for your sympathy ❤
@@Manarkad-do1pi It is terrible, but Syria has just put a new wrapper on the old product. Another totalitarian government is in the making.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your story
Great interview.
Brilliant interview and Theo is a great guy and survivor!
I can‘t believe such kind of cruelty. Moreover that the Journalist survived in Syria!! 🇸🇾
How can the devil by devils produce a change??!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your honest report!! 😢😢😢
Ever thought about how IRA fighters became members of parliament after the peace agreement?
@pennymayphilip9646 well they didn't continue to kill people did they? They finally realized their objection and got rid of the English rule didn't they? That can happen when you occupy a country against their will.
@@pennymayphilip9646 You don't understand caliphate ideology
So difficult to hear and even imagine having been through all you have Theo.
I certainly hope you've availed yourself of therapy.
Thank you for your courage and for exposing these terrorists now in charge of Syria. There is absolutely nothing for you to be ashamed of for doing what you needed to survive. You were mentally raped and came away a survivor.
What an incredible interview.
Resilience defined
Ein milim is Hebrew for no words
Toda raba
Raq Malliuem
Indexed
חוסן אבל גם תסמונת סטוקהולם
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscape Askok no Saka indeed my friend
I cannot stand the interviewer interrupting him all the time without ever saying anything worthwhile.
Yeah not a great interview. Couple times he even Kathy Newmans him.
Theo has an amazing perspective. Sounds very realistic and practical.
Thanks for the truth!!!
This interview should be everywhere. Gosh the things he suffer led but the abuse they do the children is horrific because they not just get robbed of their childhood with horror but also transform them into entities of hate, could that be reversed? Gosh
I would expect it to take two generations of exposure to Western liberal education and lifestyle for these people to actually evolve from the medieval mindset/lifestyle they've been stuck in since the 1500s.
@@TTFN55And sounds not hopeful, we need a mindset change in the whole world, many cultures, for the sake of the next generations.
Thank you for the amazing interviews you have been doing! Such an amazing job all of you at the Free Press!!
this guy is one of the best interviewers and absolutely one of my new favorites!
This is powerful..his understanding of capturers is amazing. I would hate so intensely if this had happened to me. The dynamics in the middle east is so confusing to me as an American. I have much to learn...
I recently read that Stockholm Syndrome wasn't actually a real thing, but his evasive answers about his feelings toward his torturers are to me definite proof that it's very real. But man, I would have never survived what he survived.
I couldn't either. The thought is harrowing. It is Day 436 for the remaining hostages, if alive, wherever they may be and whomever may be holding them. Americans included. I think about them every day. Especially Kfir Bibas, the 8 month old (at the time). It is also long enough that the women we saw on the news being separated by who was able to procreate, to have gotten pregnant AND given birth. It's just awful to imagine. Just as the stories of the surgeries performed by veterinarians on the poor injured people who got out during the first wave and told us the stories of their time being held. It's all beyond comprehension.
Listening to these stories makes me feel like he is speaking as it is an out of body experience for him. Maybe that is the only way he can cope.
@skontheroad, do you think about all the dead children, women, men, cats, and dogs from Gaza? Because this hostages, which many of them are IDF, could have been free long time ago, as were the seasonal worker from Thailand. Netanyahu don't care about the hostages.
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing.
Insane and informative interview. It reveals interesting details of the mindset and set of beliefs of these people.
I wish the interview was longer.
Is there anywhere in the Middle East that has a government that isn’t problematic 🤷♀️ (apart from Israel obviously)
There is no functioning Islamic country.
Oman seem mild. 🤷♀️
I genuinely question whether many of these nations are able to produce anything other than sectarian tyrants. Sounds harsh, but…it is what it is.
Absolutely none
No.
Makes you wonder...
I am thankful that you are alive, and that you are telling the whole world about your story and all that horrific stuff you have been through. May God bless you and heal you completely ❤
Excellent interview
Very informative.
In the Middle East the most humane society is Israel but it gets the most awful world press.
That's funny joke 🤣
Exactly!
And we are letting these ppl in our countries. Wtf!
Maybe finally the western
Media will cease with this ludicrous coverage of misrepresentation of the HTS
Most "western" governments do similar things in their prisons.
Be sure an see the Triggernometry interview with a Westerner who survived his life in Syria.
@@ShankarSivarajanno. Not even close.
@@ShankarSivarajan why are you a liar?
Or maybe not, because their masters knew who these people were when they brought them to power. The function of the mainstream media is not to investigate but to do the rebranding.
So those kind of people are going to form the new gvmt of Syria?
What he's describing is the Stockholm Syndrome where the person being tortured gains an appreciation for those who are torturing them as their caregivers. A real twist of sanity. They come to believe they deserve to be abused.
That's not "Stockholm syndrom " . It's the fear of things outside the "bubble" so you feel safer with the crimenal
Theo....i fondly remember 'minstrel-ing' the halls of our college singing Loudon Wainright's Westchester County. Nice to see you again
I’m so sorry for the people of Syria. Under the rule of demons for 50 yrs and now into the hand of terrorists. I can’t imagine how this will all turn out. Though Assad and his regime were highly evil and torturous, praying the new regime will be peaceful. I don’t know how that could be but who knows. Great interview with Mr. Theo.🙏🏼
Unfortunately, western media portrays certain areas and tries to promote the idea that Syria is in a wonderful situation after these rebels entered to liberate us from the previous regime. I assure you that the reality is different. As a syrian who live inside now I can tell you that Daily, numerous violations of minority rights occur 😢 but we hope that situation will change... thank you for your sympathy
@ I hope so much that Syria will have more rights and live peacefully. From what I’ve watched and learned so far it’s been hell for almost 50 long years. The amount of people who’ve died is outrageous with there most of the time no real reason. I can’t imagine the horror families went through seeing love ones tortured and murdered. It’s heartbreaking.
One of my favorite vloggers is Syrian (Hungry Syrian) and I learned from h8. And became very curious about Syria. I wish I could do more but all I can do is hope and pray for all the people of Syria. Everyone has the right to live without fear. Please take care and hoping things will get better.🤍🙏🏼
@@angel.heart007 Yes, indeed. The Syrian people were the victims during the dictatorial rule that suppressed political freedoms and threw people into prisons. However, after the revolution, we hoped for a better alternative that would respect the religious and intellectual freedoms of others. But unfortunately, the alternative turned out to be worse! Now, we only wish to live safely with our children..
@@angel.heart007 Thank you for your sincere feelings, dear 🌸. Despite the challenges, hope continues to persist
@@angel.heart007
Yes, indeed. The Syrian people suffered under the dictatorial regime that suppressed political freedoms and threw people into prisons . However, following the revolution, we anticipated a better alternative that would uphold the religious and intellectual liberties of all. But the replacement till now has proven to be even worse! Now, all we hope is to live safely.
This interview is wild and so fascinating. I am so sorry for this man’s suffering and all he has been through. What and how he was treated, their methods, need to concern the West.
The stupid arrogance of going there in the first place. Come on.
Man! This is sad!
But very true
But true
You are a very brave man. What you have said about these people is what I suspected all along. God help Syria.Bless you
Keep your enemies closer
"I was starving, and they brought me food." Does this mean I need to be forever grateful to my torturers for feeding me only to hurt me later? Does this mean I am somehow bound to remain in touch with and help people who hurt me?
Unbelievable. Scary to digest
This interview was so interesting. Thank you