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Travel & Experiences · 4 Beginner · October 8, 2026

A Wanted General Lives in Lebanon

A Wanted General Lives in Lebanon
Photo: Federal Bureau of Investigation (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

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Vocabulary

general /ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl/ noun
a high military officer who leads soldiers
The general commanded thousands of troops in the war.
protection /prəˈtɛk.ʃən/ noun
keeping someone safe from harm or danger
The family asked for protection because they were afraid.
disappeared /ˌdɪs.əˈpɪrd/ verb
went away and could not be found
The reporter disappeared during the conflict in 2012.
information /ˌɪn.fərˈmeɪ.ʃən/ noun
facts or knowledge about something
The general shares information about what happened to the journalist.
trial /ˈtraɪ.əl/ noun
a court meeting to decide if someone did something wrong
Many people want the general to face trial for his crimes.
unfair /ʌnˈfɛr/ adjective
not just or honest; not equal for everyone
The family thinks the deal with the general is unfair.

Article

A Syrian general named Bassam al-Hassan did bad things during the war. He worked with the old leader of Syria. Now he lives in Lebanon. The United States and Lebanon help him stay there. They give him money and protection.

Why does he get help?

Hassan knows about an American reporter named Austin Tice. Tice disappeared in Syria in 2012. Hassan has information about what happened. The FBI wants to learn from him. So they made a deal with Hassan. He stays safe in Lebanon. He gives them information about Tice.

What do people think?

Some people are angry about this deal. Austin Tice's family says it is wrong. They say the United States should not help a bad person. Syrian leaders also want Hassan to face trial. But the United States keeps him in Lebanon. Many people think this is unfair.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does the United States give money to Bassam al-Hassan?
  2. Where does Hassan live now?
  3. What happened to the American reporter Austin Tice?
  4. Do you think this deal is fair?
  5. Who wants Hassan to face trial?

Open the full interactive lesson with tap-to-hear on every word →

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