Debra Tice expressed renewed hope for finding her son Austin, missing in Syria since 2012, citing support from the Trump administration. During her visit to Syria, she engaged with new leadership committed to helping her locate him. The mother criticized the previous administration for not negotiating strongly on her son’s behalf but remains optimistic about future efforts.
On Monday, Debra Tice, the mother of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria since 2012, expressed optimism regarding the new Trump administration’s willingness to assist in finding her son. At a press conference in Damascus, she mentioned that the administration had already reached out to her, signaling a potential shift in engagement compared to the previous four years.
Debra Tice’s last visit to Syria was nearly a decade ago, with her previous trips in 2012 and 2015 aimed at meeting Syrian authorities who had not confirmed her son’s status. Despite the lack of new leads, she remains hopeful that fresh leadership in both the U.S. and Syria would enhance the search efforts for Austin.
Austin Tice, now 43, was among the first American journalists covering the Syrian civil war before vanishing. The U.S. government maintains that he is being held by the Syrian government, a claim that the Assad regime denies. In December, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens pursued information about Tice in Lebanon, leading to statements about ongoing efforts to facilitate his return.
During her trip, Mrs. Tice met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of Syria’s newly established government. She expressed gratitude for the leadership’s commitment to uncovering facts regarding her son’s disappearance, stating, “It was wonderful to learn that they are dedicated and determined to bring home my son.”
Debra Tice acknowledged her admiration for Syria and its people, reinforcing her connection to the country her son sought to portray through journalism. Her visit coincided with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, contrasting her experience with the Biden administration’s previous lack of assertiveness in securing her son’s release.
As she prepares to return to the United States, Debra Tice will await further developments, expressing a desire for a collaborative effort to bring Austin home, with an intention to work closely with the new administration’s team.
Austin Tice is an American journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012 while covering the civil war. His mother, Debra Tice, has been actively seeking assistance from the U.S. government to locate him. Over the years, she has engaged with various administrations to advocate for her son’s safe return, experiencing a mixed response regarding their commitment to the case. The recent shift in U.S. leadership under President-elect Donald Trump has renewed her hopes for renewed efforts and collaboration in resolving her son’s fate.
In conclusion, Debra Tice remains hopeful about the potential for productive collaboration with the new Trump administration as she seeks to learn more about her son, Austin Tice’s, whereabouts. Her recent visit to Syria has reinforced her belief in the new leadership’s dedication to uncovering the truth in her son’s case. Tice’s unwavering resolve continues to shine through as she advocates for her son’s safe return amidst changing political circumstances.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
