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Austin Tice Mother Expresses Hope for His Return Amid New Political Changes
Debra Tice Calls for Renewed Efforts Under New U.S. and Syrian Leadership
The mother of journalist Austin Tice, missing since his capture near Damascus over 12 years ago, expressed optimism on Monday that the changing administrations in the U.S. and Syria could bolster efforts to secure her son’s release.
“Today, January 20, President (Donald) Trump will be sworn into office, and I have great hope that his administration will work to bring Austin home,” Debra Tice said during a press conference in Damascus organized by Hostage Aid Worldwide.
Debra Tice noted she was encouraged by outreach from officials in the new U.S. administration about her son’s case, fostering hope for renewed negotiations.
Criticism of the Outgoing Administration
Tice criticized the outgoing Biden administration, stating it did not push hard enough for her son’s release, even in recent months. She emphasized the need for stronger negotiations moving forward.
Austin Tice’s Reporting Journey and Capture
Austin Tice, a freelance journalist for publications like The Washington Post, was among the first U.S. reporters to cover Syria’s civil war after it began in 2011. He was abducted during a reporting trip in the Damascus suburb of Daraya in August 2012.
Syrian authorities have never officially acknowledged holding him. In 2013, reports surfaced suggesting that Tice briefly escaped custody in Damascus before being recaptured, likely by forces aligned with the Assad regime.
Impact of Assad’s Overthrow on the Search Efforts
The fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8 after 13 years of civil war has presented both challenges and opportunities in the search for Austin Tice. The change in leadership allowed Debra Tice to return to Syria after years of being denied entry.
She reported meeting with Syria’s new leaders, who demonstrated commitment to locating her son. However, the political upheaval has complicated efforts, making it harder to ascertain his whereabouts.
“It’s like we’ve reached the beginning again,” Debra Tice remarked.
Personal Message to Austin Tice
Debra Tice shared an emotional message for her son:
“It has been more than 12 years since I’ve seen or spoken to him, but I know he’s here. Austin, if you can somehow hear this, I love you. I know you’re not giving up, and neither am I.”
Challenges in the Search for Austin Tice
The U.S. State Department recently acknowledged that no U.S. government organization is currently present in Syria to assist in the search. Concerns were also raised that Tice might have been affected by recent Israeli airstrikes or power outages in Damascus prisons during the regime’s collapse.
Despite these challenges, Debra Tice remains hopeful and continues to push for her son’s safe return.