Debra Tice, mother of missing journalist Austin Tice, visited Syria, expressing hope for her son’s recovery under the incoming Trump administration. Tice received outreach from Trump’s team, marking a significant shift from previous years. She met with Syria’s new leadership, who she believes can aid in locating her son, while expressing criticism toward the prior Biden administration’s approach.
Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, expressed renewed hope regarding her son’s fate following her recent visit to Syria. She reported that the incoming Trump administration has shown a commitment to assist in locating Austin, who disappeared in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. At a press conference in Damascus, she stated, “I have great hope that the Trump administration will sincerely engage in diligent work to bring Austin home.” Tice remarked that unlike the last four years, she has received outreach from Trump’s team.
Austin Tice, who is now 43, was one of the first journalists to cover the Syrian conflict. The U.S. government believes he is being held by the Syrian government, a claim that the regime has consistently denied. Debra Tice has made multiple attempts to engage with Syrian authorities since her son went missing, but her efforts have faced significant challenges; her last visit to Syria occurred in 2015, and she has not received clarity on his status.
In recent efforts, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens visited Lebanon to gather further intelligence on Austin Tice’s situation. President Biden acknowledged ongoing attempts to rescue Tice, stating, “We think we can get him back, but we have no direct evidence of that yet.” Tice’s mother received information suggesting he was alive and well shortly before the Assad regime’s fall.
On this visit, Debra Tice met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the new Syrian government, and expressed optimism in their capability to assist her search. She emphasized, “During my time in Damascus, I have been privileged to meet with the new leadership of Syria. It was so wonderful to learn that they are dedicated and determined to bring home my son.” Debra described her attachment to the country, stating, “He came here as a journalist to tell the story of the Syrian people to the world, and in the process, fell in love with his beautiful country. “
While her visit coincided with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, she has been critical of the Biden administration’s negotiations for her son’s release. After concluding her trip, she stated her intent to wait and allow time for the political changes to unfold before moving forward in her efforts.
Debra Tice, an American citizen, advocates for the release of her son, Austin Tice, a journalist abducted in Syria in 2012. The U.S. government believes he is still alive, while the Syrian government denies any knowledge of his captivity. Tice’s advocacy efforts have included meeting with various Syrian officials and U.S. government representatives over the years. The political landscape in Syria has shifted since her son’s disappearance, sparking a renewed interest in efforts to find him, particularly with the potential support of the Trump administration, whom she regards as more forthcoming than the previous administration.
In summary, Debra Tice remains hopeful about her son’s recovery with the support of the new U.S. leadership. Her recent visit to Syria instilled a sense of optimism regarding the new Syrian authorities’ willingness to assist in the search for Austin. While there is still much uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts, Debra continues to advocate for information on her son’s status and expresses a deep care for the Syrian people and their country.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
