The Other Latif

4.8 (69)
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Radiolab reporter Latif Nasser always believed his name was uniquely his own. Until he makes a shocking discovery that he shares his name with another man: Detainee 244 at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. government paints a terrifying picture of The Other Latif as Al-Qaeda’s top explosives expert, and an advisor to Osama bin Laden. Nasser’s lawyer claims that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that he was never even in Al-Qaeda. This clash leads Radiolab’s Latif into a years-long investigation, trying to uncover what this man actually did or didn’t do. Along the way, Radiolab’s Latif reflects on American values and his own religious past, and wonders how his namesake, a fellow nerdy, suburban Muslim kid, traveled such a strikingly different path.

TRAILER

Introducing: The Other Latif

Radiolab’s Latif Nasser always believed his name was unique, singular, completely his own. Until one day when he makes a bizarre and shocking discovery. He shares his name with another man: Abdul Latif Nasser, detainee 244 at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. government paints a terrifying picture of The Other Latif as Al-Qaeda’s top explosives expert, and one of the most important advisors to Osama bin Laden. Nasser’s lawyer claims that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that he was never even in Al-Qaeda. This clash leads Radiolab’s Latif into a years-long investigation, picking apart evidence, attempting to separate fact from fiction, and trying to uncover what this man actually did or didn’t do. Along the way, Radiolab’s Latif reflects on American values and his own religious past, and wonders how his namesake, a fellow nerdy, suburban Muslim kid, may have gone down such a strikingly different path.

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26 sec

Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser.

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SCIENCE
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SCIENCE

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Latif Nasser

Host
Jad Abumrad

Host

4.8

out of 5

69 Ratings

Stunning

20/05/2023

A=R

5 stars is insufficient.
A must-listen story

20/09/2020

florinshehu

This was an eye-opening story delivered by top-class investigative journalism. Do not miss this out. Latif, you and your team have done an amazing job!
Eye opening, soul searching stuff

10/09/2020

mjbutters

Thank you so much for bringing Latif’s story to the world. I am so saddened and hope with a left president he will one day be released. Also thought provoking mention of China’s treatment of the Uighurs and how Guantanamo almost made this an acceptable decision for them. A decision made out of fear, pain and panic. I hope one day the US will admit their wrong doing. I hope one day we can all admit our wrong doings and live in a world of peace. Thank you all for your efforts I would thoroughly recommend this podcast to anyone!
A Must Listen

13/07/2020

Cardifftony

Recommended in the UK by the Guardian Newspaper, this podcast certainly lived up to expectations. Incredibly well researched and beautifully delivered, this series had everything you would want in a non fiction documentary.

Radiolab reporter Latif Nasser always believed his name was uniquely his own. Until he makes a shocking discovery that he shares his name with another man: Detainee 244 at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. government paints a terrifying picture of The Other Latif as Al-Qaeda’s top explosives expert, and an advisor to Osama bin Laden. Nasser’s lawyer claims that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and that he was never even in Al-Qaeda. This clash leads Radiolab’s Latif into a years-long investigation, trying to uncover what this man actually did or didn’t do. Along the way, Radiolab’s Latif reflects on American values and his own religious past, and wonders how his namesake, a fellow nerdy, suburban Muslim kid, traveled such a strikingly different path.