Debra Tice’s Renewed Hope for Her Missing Son in Syria Following Leadership Changes

Debra Tice, mother of missing journalist Austin Tice, expressed renewed hope in finding her son during her visit to Syria. She praised the incoming Trump administration’s engagement and the new leadership in Syria, indicating that both may aid in the search. Despite the challenges faced over the years, she remains optimistic about collaborative efforts to uncover information regarding her son’s fate.

Debra Tice, mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, announced her renewed hope for the search for her son following meetings in Syria and supportive communications from the incoming Trump administration. During a media conference in Damascus, she expressed gratitude for the administration’s engagement, indicating that it marked a positive change after a four-year period without support. Austin Tice, who was one of the first journalists to cover the Syrian civil war, has been missing since 2012, and there has been ongoing speculation regarding his fate and whereabouts.

On her first visit to Syria in a decade, Debra Tice did not present new findings but shared her optimism regarding a potential resolution under new leadership in both Syria and the United States. She stated, “I have great hope that the Trump administration will sincerely engage in diligent work to bring Austin home.” Previous allegations have suggested that the government of Bashar al-Assad is involved in his disappearance, which the Assad regime has consistently denied.

Debra’s last visits to Syria were in 2012 and 2015, during which she engaged with local authorities to seek information about her son’s fate. The recent shift in government leadership has provided her with a sense of hope that more information regarding Austin’s situation might emerge. U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens had previously sought additional information on Austin Tice’s whereabouts prior to this visit.

Debra Tice emphasized her commitment to collaborating with the newly appointed U.S. team, stating her anticipation to work with national security advisor Mike Waltz and Special Presidential Envoy Adam Boehler. She expressed contentment with the new Syrian leadership’s dedication to resolving her son’s case, saying, “It was so wonderful to learn that they are dedicated and determined to bring home my son.”

As her visit aligned with Donald Trump’s inauguration, Debra Tice expressed her appreciation for the new administration while sharing her discontent with the outgoing Biden administration’s lack of negotiation efforts for her son’s release. As she prepares to return to the United States, she intends to remain patient and hopeful for positive developments regarding Austin’s situation.

Austin Tice, who now is 43 years old, disappeared in Syria in 2012 while covering the early stages of the civil war. He is believed to have been captured shortly after his emergence as a prominent journalist reporting on the unfolding conflict. Debra Tice has actively sought information regarding her son, having faced significant challenges in her efforts, particularly under the previous Syrian regime. The change in leadership in Syria, along with the support from the newly elected Trump administration, has given her renewed hope for progress in locating her son.

In summary, Debra Tice’s recent visit to Syria has rekindled her hopes for the return of her son, Austin Tice, thanks to the supportive stance of the incoming Trump administration and the newly-elected Syrian leadership. Her commitment to working with U.S. officials highlights her determination to resolve this long-standing case. The situation remains precarious, but the recent developments bode well for future efforts to uncover the truth about Austin’s whereabouts.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com