Amanpour

In the early hours after Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad's fall, rumors flew of secret prison cells locked by fleeing guards, deprived of inside of food, water and even oxygen. Today, the Association of Detainees and the Missing say that the notorious Saydnaya prison is now empty, with the White Helmet rescuers confirming "no evidence of undiscovered secret cells or basements." But before that confirmation, fueled by fear and desperation, thousands of relatives went there in search of those who had been condemned to Assad's dungeons. Correspondent Clarissa Ward reports from Damascus.  

Also on today's show: EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas; former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby; former Republican and Democratic Counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder 

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There is a new reality in Syria and the road ahead is still unclear. After rebels swept into the capital Damascus in lightening speed and ended half a century of oppressive rule by the Assad family. Rami Jarrah has reported for years on the human toll of violence in his country, often under a pseudonym for his safety. He joins Christiane today from Berlin. 

Also on today's show: UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen; US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer 

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In his first trip abroad as President-elect, Donald Trump attended the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Dispensing with protocol, world leaders like Emmanuel Macron are eager to meet with him to take the measure of the man they know as a deliberate disruptor to the world stage. One leader who know him very well is former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She joined Christiane in Washington to discuss her new memoir "Freedom," how she handled Trump’s unconventional style, his fascination with dictators, and Putin's fear tactics. As rebel forces in Syria continue to seize key territories, Christiane digs into the archives, when she visited with Syrian refugees in Jordan, highlighting the ongoing human cost of this 13-year conflict. Sitting down with Christiane in New York, award-winning actress and Hollywood star Demi Moore discusses beauty standards and self-acceptance. She talks about her role in The Substance, a film exploring the dark side of chasing youth, our society's obsession with aging, and opens up about family, and supporting her ex-husband Bruce Willis through his dementia diagnosis. Finally, filmmaker Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes-winning film "All We Imagine As Light," a poignant exploration of love and patriarchy in modern India.

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The challenges in Eastern Europe extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. Romania's constitutional court has annulled the first round of its presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference. In Georgia, a week of anti-government demonstrations has been met by a brutal police response. And one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, is leaving office after his political party was defeated in October elections. He joins the show from New York. 

Also on today's show: An exclusive interview with Syrian rebel leader Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS); Thierry Arnaud, Senior International Correspondent, BFMTV; Daniel Bogado 

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The Middle East is in meltdown, and perhaps some of the rawest descriptions aren't coming from aid groups or reporters but from writers. Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was forced to flee his home in Gaza a year ago. Since then, he and his wife say they have lost almost 100 family members in the violence. Watching from afar in the US, Mosab has released an acclaimed collection "Forest of Noise" which captures the horror and grief of this time in his life. 

Also on today's show: actor Demi Moore; journalist Ronan Farrow 

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Many South Koreans are demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol either resign or be impeached after he sprung a surprise declaration of martial law late last night, shocking the country's allies across the world, particularly the US, which has nearly 30 thousand troops posted in the country. Joining the program to discuss what comes next to is former US Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens. 

Also on today's show: Colin Clarke, Director of Research, The Soufan Group; Steven Rattner, former counselor to the US treasury secretary; David Frum, staff writer, The Atlantic 

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The shocking decision by South Korea's president today to declare martial law spurred protests erupted at the National Assembly, and, within hours, lawmakers unanimously rejected the declaration. Senior American officials say they are "very concerned" by what's happening there. Kenneth Choi is the International Editor for one of South Korea's major newspapers, he joins the program from Seoul. 

Also on today's show: former South Korean Foreign Minister Kyung-wah Kang; former German Chancellor Angela Merkel 

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As Asia prepares for a whole new America under Donald Trump, Christiane speaks with US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. Plus, no women in combat and ditching diversity issues. Is this the future under Trump's unconventional defense pick? We dig into the real-world impact with former US Defense Secretary William Cohen. And as the great American play "Our Town" returns to Broadway, Michel Martin speaks with Director Kenny Leon and stars Katie Holmes and Jim Parsons. 

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This Thanksgiving, The Amanpour Hour focuses on the power of bridge-building. Following a contentious election, America feels more divided than ever. Renowned political scientist Robert Putnam joins Christiane to reflect on the reasons driving Americans apart and how to rebuild those communities. Former Israeli and Palestinian leaders Ehud Olmert and Nasser al-Kidwa join forces and discuss their shared vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Journalist Yuval Abraham and Palestinian co-director and West Bank resident, Basel Adra talk about their collaboration in a new and controversial film, “No Other Land.” Diane Foley, mother of slain journalist James Foley and co-author Colum McCan delve into their book "American Mother," which covers her journey of resilience, meeting her son's killer and rejecting hatred despite her tragic loss. Historian Dominic Erdozain examines the origins of the Second Amendment and its evolving interpretation in his book "One Nation Under Guns," and the need to find political agreement to end gun violence in America. Finally, “Kim’s Convenience” creator Ins Choi sits down with Christiane on-set to celebrate the immigrant experience that unites us all.

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Syrian rebels say they've entered Aleppo for the first time since 2016. We bring you the latest from the region. Then, Pakistan's capital is turned upside down by anti-government protests. We speak to the former Pakistani ambassador to the US. Plus, "Sugar Cane" is a new documentary exploring the horrific abuse at indigenous boarding schools run by the Catholic church. The filmmakers join us to discuss. And five years after a fire destroyed parts of Notre Dame, the iconic cathedral reopens its doors fora presidential preview. 

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